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Narrow Pencil Ice Route on Mount Hood Climbed

For decades, a narrow ice route on the north side of Mount Hood in Oregon had been talked about but never reportedly climbed. On CascadeClimber.com, A. Parker reported that he and three other climbers made the first ascent of the esthetic ice line known as the Pencil. Noting no difficulties harder than WI3+, it seems the line is rare to form in good condition and requires the right forecast for an ascent. For the report and photos see here.

Pencil Mount Hood
Mount Hood north side topo showing Pencil before first ascent.

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