"North Sister, North Ridge: Failed but oh-so-fun attempt on the beautiful approach and climb"

The theory:
I really like hiking the area NW of N.Sister - it's a truly surreal volcanic moonscape! Approaching from McKenzie pass cuts about 600 feet of elevation gain, while adding only a mile or so on the PCT. The route involves interesting ridge traversing and either a steep snow traverse (in early season), or some fairly steep scrambling or (supposedly sound) low fifth-class rock if we choose to go over Glisan Pinnacle instead of around it.

The reality:
Not enough snow for much glissading, very loose ridge with a few fun moves, but Glisan Pinnacle is adequately solid and fun. Then Prouty's NW Shoulder is a scary stack of dinner plates!
I'd like to do it again, with four solid climbers and two 60m ropes, earlier in the season so that there is more snow to descend. Probably use the alternate approach from a couple miles east of McKensie Pass directly to Scott Pass as a variation.

Approach map
route map
TOPO! file (requires topo CD)