Vasiliki Ridge (Ares Tower) spans above the North Cascades Highway. To the near south is the famous Silver Star Mountain, plus the lesser-known Silver Moon. The route combines snow travel and exposed rock, a great goal for climbers. Moreover, the high point boasts stunning panoramas, well worth the effort.
See more trip photos here.
Vasiliki Ridge (Ares Tower) at a Glance
Access: Early Winters Creek
Round Trip: 5 miles
Elevation Range: 4080′-8203′
Essential Gear: helmet, ice ax, crampons, snowshoes
Route Info: Eric Eames
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: no
Playlists: Classical, Urban
Steep Ascent to the Snowfields
Connor and I started with a 250-foot drop from the highway down to Early Winters Creek. Fortunately, one of several large, sturdy logs provided a safe crossing to the east side. The steep Burgundy Col Climber’s Trail then guided our way steadily through the dense forest. The lower trail was unexciting as we moved up within earshot of the south-adjacent creek.
Eventually, we reached the snow and followed recent boot tracks to 6600 feet as they continued toward the col. Instead, we turned north onto broad snowfields as views expanded. Snowshoes were essential for efficient and sustained travel across the steep terrain. After traversing three or so gullies, we approached the base of Vasiliki Ridge (Ares Tower).
Navigating Toward Vasiliki Ridge (Ares Tower)
As continuous snow slowly gave way to rocks, I switched to crampons for better grip on steeper terrain toward the ridge. Meanwhile, Connor settled down comfortably on a nearby large, secure boulder with a flat top for a well-deserved nap. Then, I began the exposed climbing portion from the far north end of the headwall.
I soon gained the prominent north ridge of Vasiliki Ridge (Ares Tower) using small cracks in the wall. The narrow crest marked the real start of the technical and engaging climb. The rock quality here was generally quite good, despite the exposure noticeably increasing. Right away, I moved to the east behind a boulder to gain higher ground. But I needed to move back east above a cornice before reattaining the crest.
Summit Push and Descent
Before long, I’d reached the exposed, narrow alcove and studied the handholds. With sparse footholds, it was more manageable to hug the flakes and inch toward the summit block. Then, working upward via one of two larger vertical cracks and foot-width ledges, I quickly gained the final ridge. A short walk across a slanted rock surface soon led me to the summit cairn.
After thoroughly enjoying the incredible panoramic views, I retraced the airy moves and reunited with Connor. On the way down, we followed old boot tracks to 6800 feet before turning south through mixed snow and hard dirt. We soon reached our up tracks and rejoined the dry trail at 6200 feet. Then it was a short, knee-pounding descent before postholing through snow by the creek and regaining 250 feet back to the car.
