A 2.7 mile winding gravel road (Forest Road 830) leads you to Climber’s Bivouac and the trailhead for Ptarmigan Trail #216A, the start of the Monitor Ridge Climbing Route. Fourteen or so tent pads with fire pits are available, as well as dispersed camping. Sites are first come, first served only. There are pit toilets, but no water.
America the Beautiful, Northwest Forest Passes or $5 per vehicle per day in the fee tube cover the recreation fee. Parking is limited, with overflow parking available at Marble Mountain Sno-Park, the parking for the winter climbing route, located about seven miles away. Please park motorhomes or travel trailers at Marble Mountain Sno-Park lots.
At a Glance
Current Conditions:
06/02/2020: Forest Roads 830 to Climber's Bivouac remains gated due to snow. Site normally accessible sometime in June to November.
From Cougar, WA take Lewis River Road/Forest Road 90 east for 6.4 miles then go left on Forest Road 83. Follow Forest Road 83 for 3 miles then stay left onto Forest Road 81 and go about a mile to Forest Spur Road 830. Go right at Forest Road 830 and drive about .4 miles to the trailhead.
It is important for climbers of any Cascade summit to be aware of a few things:
Climbing parties should use good judgment and take special care of weaker members and novice climbers (Always think Safety is Item Number One)
Be prepared for treacherous slopes (steep, slick, with dangerous runouts), especially on descent, going from the basin at timberline to the crest of Monitor Ridge
Before climbing, gain knowledge of competent use of an ice axe or ski poles on all snow slopes, and the ability to self-arrest a fall under any conditions
Be aware of receding snow on current glissade paths higher on the Mountain, exposing rock hazards
Stay well back from cornices that still remain along the summit rim
Prepare for warming temperatures demanding that climbers carry three liters of water at a minimum
Know and use proper footwear, clothing, sun protection and sunglasses!
SHOW
