Kangaroo-Wallaby Loop
Stevens Pass AreaBest May–Jun
Five ridge crossings and steep couloir skiing loop the "Down Under" peaks above Washington Pass.
About This Trail
This loop tour off the Washington Pass hairpin turn links Kangaroo Ridge and Wallaby Peak through a series of five ridge crossings, each involving sustained 40-degree couloir skiing. The route traverses south of Peak 8183, hugs cliffside terrain between Kangaroo and Snagtooth ridges, drops through a couloir at 6,900 feet on Half Moon Ridge, climbs Wallaby's southeast bowl, and finishes over the Copper-Wallaby ridge to Kangaroo Pass. Expect 6.5 miles and 4,300 feet of gain with a high point of 8,040 feet.
Route-finding skills matter here. Couloir selection changes based on real-time snow and rock conditions, and the terrain punishes indecision. A massive 15-foot-plus cornice near Half Moon Peak demands respect and wide berths. South-facing slopes melt out fast while north aspects hold firm, so skiers encounter wildly different snow within the same hour.
The final descent through Kangaroo Pass valley rewards with open views and varied terrain, though it flattens out near the bottom into luge-style gliding and possible skate skiing back to the car. This tour sits in the shadow of the more popular Birthday Tour but offers a far more committing and complex day for parties ready to earn it.
Forecast
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Large cornices near Half Moon Peak (15+ feet reported)
- Sustained 40-degree couloir slopes with variable snow
- Loose rock and scree on ridgelines
- Rapidly changing conditions between north and south aspects
- Route-finding complexity across five ridge crossings
Getting There
Park at the Washington Pass hairpin turn pullout along Highway 20. Limited spots fill early on spring weekends. Highway 20 seasonal closure typically lifts late April to mid-May depending on snowpack.
Start directly from the hairpin turn. The route climbs south toward Kangaroo Ridge via a couloir south of Peak 8183. Navigation requires real-time assessment of couloir conditions. Crampons and ice axe recommended for icy boot-packing sections. The loop returns via Kangaroo Pass back to the starting point.
Early morning start critical for stable spring snow on the south-facing aspects. Aim to be skinning by first light to hit couloirs before sun exposure softens them.
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