To reach the Northern Pickets in Winter is a challenge that only a few have attempted. Having spent the past week among them, I am at a loss for words, but not for long. Here is a taste of what's to come.

Tags:   Northern Pickets North Cascades night photography stars NE face of Fury mountains snow winter ice washington cascades

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We were surprised to find on our 4th day glorious powder in Luna Cirque. We couldn't have asked for better turns nor reward after so much effort to arrive there. It was a great morale boost, propelling us over and up toward Mount Challenger.

Tags:   mount challenger pickets northern pickets skiing powder north cascades steep skiing backcountry skiing pacific northwest

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There are times you look deep into the mountains and you don't just see a mountain, but arms and legs wrapped around torsos and heads. It is a convolution of alpine seductiveness.

Tags:   northern pickets picket pass north cascades black and white pacific northwest jason hummel photography Mcmillan cirque ridgeline mountains cornices cliffs ice snow rock

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It's amazing where a tree will gain purchase. There is no better example of this tenacity than in the depths of the North Cascades where avalanches, icefall, and glaciers encroach every aspect. Where life has a will, there is a way.

Tags:   mcmillan spires the picket traverse the pickets pickets north cascades ski mountaineering

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Looking out toward Picket Pass, Forest contemplates the other alternative to the alternate route we forged up the South Face of Mount Fury.

Tags:   Mount Fury North Cascades North cascades national park Ski mountaineering Picket pass the pickets Picket range forest mcbrian

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