Trapper Mountain North Couloir

Trapper Mountain's north couloir is one of the more obscure ski lines in the central North Cascades, sitting in the country between Cascade Pass and the upper Skagit. The standard approach leaves Cascade River Road around milepost twenty-one, climbs to Trapper Lake, then bootpacks up the debris fan and into the couloir itself. First documented descent was 2012; few attempts since.

The line itself runs north-aspect with the typical North Cascades couloir character — narrow, steep, with cliffs and chokes that demand careful line choice. Descent conditions vary widely by cycle. Wet avalanche slides off the slopes near Hurry-Up Peak overhead are a recurring hazard, often running between D2-3 size during spring warm cycles. Wind slabs in winter and icy conditions in transition months have shut down prior attempts.

Exit options include returning over Alliteration Col or working around Wanttoforget Peak on an alternate route. April delivers the best window with well-bonded snow and stable cycles. National Park Pass at the trailhead.