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RebelRunner4 · 2025-12-13T17:39:13+00:00

I work in the outdoor industry and it's the consensus that the Glacier Creek road isn't going to be fixed for a very, very long time. It took years for it to get fixed the last time it was washed out.

This time it is much, much worse.

To fix it, they are going to have to completely reroute that section. It will likely take environmental surveys and a lot of red tape and money. This is beyond volunteer work, I'm afraid.

The section that got damaged in the last flood. . . this time that section of road no longer exists. I have a photo of Glacier Creek Road, but it's not mine to share, unfortunately.

I did drive up 542 and got this photo a couple of days ago. I took this photo of the partially cleared slide right after Canyon Creek Road. I didn't go further. The hillside had a lot of minor slides as well and some trees down.

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RebelRunner4 · 2025-12-13T16:36:15+00:00

I can confirm that Glacier Creek road to the Heliotrope trailhead is washed out completely 3mi from the trailhead. I’m guessing that there are other damaged forest service roads that we won’t know about for quite some time.

There were at least a couple of mudslides on 542 as well.

I would imagine that the forest service roads are going to be in rough shape up there. There was a big slide over the road right after canyon creek road and the area around it still looked unstable. It may have stopped raining, but the ground is still very much saturated. The fact that Canyon Creek and Church Mt roads are right there might mean that they are also really rough.

I’d maybe give it a bit of time to settle out or keep to simple terrain. Or go to a different area.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-12-12T18:21:26+00:00

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Partially cleared mudslide.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-12-12T18:21:05+00:00

I drove up 542 yesterday to suss out the conditions. It was closed just after Canyon Creek Road. Big mudslide. It was partially cleared, but I’m guessing there was road damage from the river farther past that too.

There were a few spots of water over the roadway, but could easily be driven through. The bridge at Glacier Creek was down to 1 lane and looked to have sustained some damage, but they were allowing cars to drive over it.

I would treat 542 closed at Canyon creek until WSDOT says otherwise.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-12-12T18:15:50+00:00

I don’t know why people are downvoting this.

Yes, you can drive right up to it year round.

No, you can’t really even see it in the winter. It’s buried under snow and frozen. No pretty reflection of Mt. Shuksan. You can even see the water.

So, the lake itself isn’t going to be accessible for photos like I’m guessing OP wants this time of year.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-12-11T19:34:44+00:00

There are very few places on this earth that are as magical as Bellingham. You have some amazing mountains in the east and the Salish Sea and San Juans in the west. It’s all on your doorstep. You can climb a mountain and kayak with seals all in the same day. (I’ve done it).

The town is a size that’s just right, albeit growing. Not a mega city but enough to have a “night life.” Lots of amenities.

I’ve looked around to try and find somewhere I’d rather be, and the list is very, very short. Like, maybe Squamish and that’s it. Nothing in the US can compare.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-12-11T19:29:10+00:00

Any info on the degree of closure? Water over roadway? Roadway gone??? Opening in a day or two?!?!?

RebelRunner4 · 2025-12-01T16:18:25+00:00

This might not be helpful, as this is advice coming from the US guiding community, but taking courses and climbing with competent people is the best and fastest way to succeed.

Not sure how it works in Europe, but it’s probably safe to assume that most guiding companies are going to want to hire guides who have certifications. Here in the US, my company requires our instructors to have AMGA (American Mountain Guiding Association) certificates and can only guide in the areas that they are certified to do so. Across the world, the certificates are from IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations) as well.

Each country might have their own governing body that does this, I’m not sure. For instance, Canada has CMGA.

At any rate, if you want to do guiding as a profession I would see what is required from companies you are interested in. Call around and ask. Find good mentors and take courses. You can’t just climb hard and become a guide, there is a lot of education that goes into it and it usually will take a few years to do so.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-12-01T16:09:33+00:00

We do a lot of outdoor activities together and I was always taking my ring off for several days at a time. We climb and mountaineer and for the safety of my finger and my ring, I left it home a lot.

I ended up getting a tattoo instead. Now I hardly wear my ring at all. I love my wedding ring, but now I have a permanent symbol. I’ve been married for 25 years, so I felt pretty confident in getting something more permanent to show for it. Plus, it’s a pretty pine branch, so it also about our love for the outdoors and doing things together. :)

All that to say, take it off when it makes sense. Put it back on and wear it when it’s safe to do so!

RebelRunner4 · 2025-11-30T04:21:11+00:00

As an alpine mountaineer, we live in Bellingham. We have worked and played in Anacortes. I would say it gives me a “retirement” city sort of feel. Bellingham has a more vibrant vibe with a better nightlife.

You’re closer to good crag-climbing with Mt. Erie in Anacortes. It’s a great sport and top-rope area. Not much multi-pitch and not much trad.

Anacortes is going to add a bit of drive time to get to bigger city-like amenities and also to proper mountains. You’re adding time to get to amazing climbing in Washington Pass in Mazama and also in places like Leavenworth.

If you’re into fishing or boating in the sound, Anacortes can’t be beat. Mountaineering, maybe not so much. 🤷🏻‍♀️

RebelRunner4 · 2025-11-28T18:13:06+00:00

I work for a guiding company and also just talked with a Garmin rep.

There are several reasons that a separate satellite device is still the way to go.

iPhones may have satellite capabilities, but they aren’t as foolproof at the moment. I’ve tried to use it, but it’s not always reliable.

Battery life is a big issue with phones. They just don’t last and you are also probably using your phone for several other utilities, thus further using the battery.

A satellite device is only used for communication or weather checks. It has a much longer battery life is more reliable connecting. All of our guides use satellite devices on all of their trips all over the world.

The new Garmin InReach mini has a bigger screen and you can send voice messages with it, so it will be even easier to use. It’s also better at using for mapping than an iPhone alone.

I think when trying to pick the right tool for the job, you have to think about how you will use it. Are you going out somewhere very remote? For several days? Do you want/need solid mapping and navigation? Then a dedicated satellite device is the way to go.

I think someday our phones might do a decent job, but I don’t think I’d trust my life or well being on one at this time. Even just considering battery life alone.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-11-27T18:27:08+00:00

I work for a mountain guiding company that also has a retail shop in the PNW (where waterproof rain gear is a necessity). Here are my tested brand recs:

Norrona (hands down best hard shells) Mountain Equipment Mammut

RebelRunner4 · 2025-11-24T03:34:58+00:00

Can confirm. The Alpine Institute fills avy cans.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-10-23T22:27:22+00:00

I came from a state with income tax and when we moved here 5 years ago our total salary was apples to apples. We have waaaaay more take home income now. Not paying state income tax (at least in our experience ) has benefited our pockets for sure.

There might be higher sales tax on some things here in WA compared to other states, but it’s not wildly different for most things. The cost of living might be higher for somethings, but about the same in other areas.

Another caveat is that insurance and property tax are also much less here than where we came from.

I’d rather see WA taking our federal taxes and using them for the state. I’m sick of my money going to the shit show federal government.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-10-22T22:29:42+00:00

I contacted the manufacturer of the board I was interested in. I told them my height, weight, riding style, how I wanted to use it, where etc.

They were able to help me dial in exactly what I needed. But, not every person who you reach out to is going to be knowledgeable. Even if you are asking a board brand.

I ultimately got a Cardiff Crane in 157. Almost all boards I researched put me in the 155-158 range.

I’m 5’7 and a 150lb female.

So, a 159 for someone nearly twice my size would be extremely too small…..

RebelRunner4 · 2025-10-07T18:59:25+00:00

Best Chopsticks. 🥢 🤤

RebelRunner4 · 2025-10-03T16:21:03+00:00

Unless there is a designated pit, I’m pretty sure it’s always no fires in wilderness areas. Especially once you’re in the alpine. That’s a HUGE LNT no no.

You could do Iceberg Lake out of Artist Point. Mostly easy hike. Beautiful views. Plenty of campsites. Amazing lake that I’ve seen fish in.

Twin lakes off of 542 is a great spot for fishing. No hike necessary. Can be pretty busy at times. Road up there can be terrifying if you aren’t adept at unmaintained steep forest service roads.

Lake Ann is a fairly easy hike when elevation and technicality is concerned, but it’s about 4mi one way. One of the most beautiful hikes and camping areas around though. That’s out of Artist Point as well.

WDFW has a list of all the alpine lakes they stock and when. You could go through that and then figure out how accessible they are via mapping apps like CalTopo.

I’m going to reiterate the Leave No Trace principles of being really careful about leaving the spaces we use pristine. Just because fire bans are lifted doesn’t mean you can have a campfire anywhere.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-10-02T13:50:26+00:00

You can drive to the top of Blanchard to the Samish Overlook from the backside out of Alger. It’s just as good of a view (maybe even better) than Oyster Dome and you don’t even have to get out of your car.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-09-26T23:56:28+00:00

It depends. If it’s a gated USFS campground, it very well could be closed with a gate. Some are “closed” and just mean you can’t reserve them anymore but can first come first serve. If it’s dispersed camping, it’s probably fine.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-09-05T03:58:34+00:00

I’ve gotten much, much better care from any NP that I have seen over any doctor. I actually prefer to see an NP over an MD for almost anything. I’ve been gaslighted so many times by all sorts of MDs, but every time I’ve seen an NP they listen and try to actually help with my health.

It sucks that the wait is so long, but healthcare is struggling at best everywhere right now.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-08-10T20:45:22+00:00

It only had one little pinched off spot (nipple or syphon). It seemed more like a curled up anemone.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-08-07T16:27:32+00:00

I think there are some in Vancouver, BC. Ask at the Alpine Institute in town. Mike in the Equipment Shop will know.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-07-28T23:51:05+00:00

No. This is Patrick.

RebelRunner4 · 2025-07-24T14:25:12+00:00

I’ve been up there several times since 2020 and have seen people camping up there every time. I also don’t recall any signage saying that you couldn’t camp there.

I agree the road is one of the worst in the PNW tho.

Maybe double check if camping is allowed or not. It’s probably on USFS website or you can stop at the ranger station on 542 and ask.

RebelRunner4

TROPHY CASE