Caves at NSS 2006: Cave Ridge Trip

During Convention Cave Ridge Trips - August 7th, 9th, & 11th

Washington State, in general, has 3 types of caves to offer the spelunker: lava tubes, ice caves, and limestone caves. Although we are mostly known for our lava tubes, there are a small number of limestone caves as well. The highest concentration of limestone caves in Washington is in King County, on Cave Ridge, approximately 130 freeway miles from Bellingham (2-2.5 hours). These caves are small and not well decorated in the usual way, but full of multi-colored marble, allophane, and other wonders. The setting is possibly even more rewarding than the caves themselves. It is beautiful alpine karst on top of a mountain with panoramic views of the heart of the Cascade mountain range, including Mt. Rainier, the continental US's tallest volcano. While difficult to get to, a strenuous hike will reward the fit caver with a wonderful overall experience.

The trail climbs 2100 feet in only one mile, so cavers will need to be in great shape. The entrance passages are quite small, so cavers will need to be even smaller.

I am proposing to guide 3 trips up to Cave Ridge during the convention, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Monday: A vertical trip. Take a quick peak at a marble cave in a gorgeous alpine hanging valley before finishing the trip up to the top. Rappel into a cave full of multi-colored marble and allophane, including fluorescent formations. Time permitting, visit one of the other vertical caves on the ridge. Trip size: 4-5 not including the trip leader.

Wednesday: A non-vertical trip for those without vertical experience or gear. Take a quick peak at a marble cave in a gorgeous alpine hanging valley before finishing the trip up to the top. Take a quick peak into a very colorful chamber filled with rare allophane, and then explore the largest non-vertical cave. Other smaller non-vertical cave chambers can be visited depending on time and ability. Trip size: 4-5 not including trip leader.

Friday: Repeat either the vertical or the non-vertical trip (depending on demand) for those who cannot make one of the first two trips.

There will be much duplication between trips, so attendees need only to pick one trip to attend.
Directions to trailhead will be provided at convention.

For more information on these caves and the trail, see Mark Sherman's King County Caves page http://www.nss2006.com/cav_kingcounty.htm and Hester Mallonée's post-convention trip page http://www.nss2006.com/Caves/CaveRidge.htm.

See Hester's page for a description of what to bring. A frog system, due to it’s lighter weight, is recommended for ascent on the vertical trip. Other working and efficient vertical systems are acceptable. There is no drop over 50 feet.

Trips will begin at 9am from the Alpental parking lot. Directions and trip sign-up sheets will be available at convention in the trips area near registration. Contact Danny Miller at dannymi@alpental.com for more information.