Dakobed Traverse

The Dakobed Traverse links the remote glacier systems of the Dakobed Range to the summit of Glacier Peak, Washington's most isolated major volcano. Over seven days, the route crosses the Walrus, Richardson, Pilz, Butterfly, Honeycomb, and Chocolate Glaciers, threading crevasse fields, knife-edge ridges, and steep couloirs between brief camps on glacial benches. This is deep wilderness ski mountaineering at its most committing.

The route begins at the White River Trailhead off Forest Road 6400, climbing through forest and avalanche paths to Boulder Pass before entering sustained glacier terrain. Each day brings a new glacier crossing with its own crevasse hazards and route-finding challenges. The crux traverse from Butterfly Glacier to the Ten Peak area involves a grueling mile-and-a-half section of mixed dirt, rock, creek crossings, and vegetation between skiable snow patches. One wrong step near the steep-walled creek drainages puts you above concealed waterfalls.

Glacier Peak itself stands at the end of the traverse as the culminating objective, but the real substance of this trip is the traverse itself. Tiger-striped granite walls, massive serac bands, corn snow descents of 2,000 feet or more, and views spanning Baker to Rainier across the full North Cascades make this one of the finest multi-day ski traverses in the lower 48. Parties need full glacier rescue gear, crampon proficiency, and self-arrest skills. There is no bailout once committed to the interior glacier sections.