While I don't claim to be a mountaineer or an expert at crossing glaciers, I don't feel an ice axe is necessary for the section of Klickitat Glacier the route requires. The first time I did it the glacier condition was hard packed snow, fairly early in the morning, and there were no meltwater crevasses. This last time, also fairly early in the morning, it was mostly ice, with lots of gravel, and some meltwater crevasses large and small. A couple of the crevasses were big and deep enough to be dangerous. Both times microspikes and hiking poles were enough and I never slipped even once. It seemed it was easier this last time on the gravelly ice than hard packed snow.Sugar Pine wrote: ↑September 17th, 2022, 5:53 amThanks for the trip report. I am thinking of trying this hike. Looks like you did not have an ice axe, any regrets about not carrying one? We'd also go counterclockwise. Would that be easier or more difficult for any reason?
Regarding direction, everyone has their preference. I prefer going up an icy glacier than down, so that's the main reason for me going clockwise.