HST Training on the McClellan Butte

The HST had an awesome training session on McClellan Butte in the Snoqualmie area. We expected a good conditioning hike to or near the summit block, but the day turned into a great alpine training day when we reached the snow level at 3200 feet. We decided to jump on this opportunity and move up along one of the coloirs on the north side. We were able to go over crampon and movement techniques on the way up the 50 to 60 degree chutes, and we traversed the summit block with an entertaining but exposed scramble to lunch. On the way down we went over some belaying and rappelling in the sketchy spots, but once we got cold and bored, we plunged down to the car for sandwiches and beer in North Bend.

Mike Pickerel and Fred Prince Scrambling on McClellan Butte