CJ Couloir
North CascadesBest Mar–May
A steep, direct 3,000-foot couloir on Johannesburg Mountain producing one of the most aesthetic ski lines in the North Cascades.
About This Trail
CJ Couloir draws a direct, aesthetic line up the north face of Johannesburg Mountain, rising roughly 3,000 vertical feet from the valley floor in the heart of the North Cascades. The route starts from Cascade River Road, where an early-season gate may add a short road walk before dropping into the valley below Johannesburg. From there, the climbing is relentless: bootpacking through avalanche debris, then crampon work up a sustained couloir with a frozen waterfall crux that demands focused movement on firm snow.
Above the crux, the angle eases and deep snow replaces ice, leading to a col near the summit. The descent reverses the line with roughly 3,000 feet of continuous fall line skiing. Upper sections hold knee-deep powder, the main chute runs steep with powder over a firm base, and the lower apron fans out to the valley floor. The entire run takes about 10 minutes top to bottom when conditions are right.
This is one of the most striking couloir lines visible from Cascade River Road, and the skiing matches the aesthetics. Stable avalanche conditions are critical given the terrain traps and debris fields below. Strong parties with solid crampon skills and avalanche awareness find a deeply rewarding single-day objective here.
Forecast
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Avalanche terrain with debris fields on approach
- Frozen waterfall crux requiring crampons
- Steep sustained couloir with no easy escape
- Terrain traps at valley floor below couloir
Getting There
Cascade River Road near the Cascade Pass trailhead area. Road gate may be closed several miles below in early season, adding road walking. No fee.
From the road, descend into the valley below Johannesburg Mountain. Cross avalanche debris fields, then bootpack and crampon up the apron to the couloir entrance. The crux is a frozen waterfall section requiring steady crampon technique on firm snow. Above the crux, knee-deep snow to the summit col.
Early morning start for stable snow conditions in the couloir. The north aspect holds cold snow longer, but the frozen waterfall crux climbs best when firm. Plan to be descending before afternoon warming.
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