72. Ruth, Mount, 8690' (S)

Mount Ruth is a wonderful scramble destination, with spectacular views of the Emmons Glacier and the Big One.

Mount Ruth is named for Ruth Knapp, daughter of the prospector who built Knapp’s Cabin, an old landmark for tourists in Glacier Basin. An alternative source says the peak was named after Ruth O’Farrell (though we have no information about her).

_________________________________ 

Driving

Drive SR 410 4.5 miles south of the Crystal Mountain ski area turnoff and turn right on Sunrise Park Road. Drive 5 miles and turn left on the road to the White River Campground, which you will reach in another 1.3 miles. Parking for hikers and climbers is located in the center of the campground.

Route

The trailhead for the Glacier Basin Trail is located at the western end of the campground. Hike this trail and in about 3.5 miles come to the meadows of Glacier Basin. Cross the Inter Fork of the White River where it looks suitable, and head upslope toward the ridge above the Emmons Glacier. Turn right on the ridge and follow the path to Ruth. If you encounter rocky obstacles, stay to the right. In summer there is a good footpath from Glacier Basin to the ridge and then to Ruth.

Comments

In spring, steep snow requires an ice ax. Sometimes good glissade conditions make for a speedy descent. It is also possible to reach Steamboat Prow via the Inter Glacier (northeast of the peak), but this requires glacier travel and should only be attempted by climbers with glacier skills and gear. The Inter Glacier can be very icy, especially in late summer.

Vital Statistics: Mount Ruth

• Skill: Moderate scramble, glacier climbing when combined with Steamboat Prow

• Beauty: 9

• Effort: 8

• Round-trip distance: 10 miles

• Elevation gain: 4500'

• Total time: 10 hours

• Best season: June through September or first snow

• Equipment: Scramble gear; ice ax in spring; glacier gear if traversing Inter Glacier