PRIDE GLACIER FALLS |
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RATING -
62.0
VR - 6 (Med) HR - 8.0 SR - 16/20 TYPE OF APPROACH - Bushwhack DIFFICULTY - Very Difficult LOCATION - Pride Basin TYPE - Plunge HEIGHT - 406' WIDTH - 20' |
Pride Glacier Falls is the best waterfall in the area and arguably the best waterfall along the entire Mountain Loop Highway. The rather large volume creek that drains the Pride Glacier encounters a massive cliff at plunges 406' in a stupendous waterfall. The free-falling portion alone stands 329' in height. In addition, several smaller streams cascade down the cliff to the right of the falls and the massive, craggy rocks of Cadet Peak tower above the entire scene. What makes this waterfall even more amazing, potentially, is that the creek may be one continuous waterfall from the terminus of the glacier to the bottom of this drop, some 1200' below. For now I will leave the height at 406' because the waterfall is amazing enough without the extra height. Keep in mind that thus far I have only seen the waterfall at low volume. I suspect at the height of snow/glacier melt that this is one of the best waterfalls in all of NW Washington.
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| DIRECTIONS - Follow the directions to Weeping Wall Falls. Follow the trail for another 1/4 mile or so and then head steeply down the slope for about 600 vertical feet to Cadet Creek. Follow the creek upstream for about two miles to the first view of the amazing waterfall. There is a short, super cool mini-canyon along the way that you will likely want to climb over and around instead of through. Travelling through the canyon requires several fords of the creek and at least one of them is waist deep even at low water. It might not even be possible to make it through at high water. From the first view, you will want to make your way closer by following the creek up. | |
ADDITIONAL PICTURES (CLICK TO ENLARGE) AND
VIDEO
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The
Pride Basin on the north side of Monte Cristo Peak is home to a large
collection of some amazing waterfalls. On my one trip into the area, I
forgot my memory card, so the only pictures I have were taken with my cell
phone. I will definitely be back in the area to get better pictures
though so stayed tuned.