Welldiggers Ass - Stevens Pass Snowshoeing

As you might guess, this is a peakbaggers name. According to the urban dictionary, it is older slang used in cold weather to place emphasis on how extremely cold it is outdoors. Any name is better for point 5,273, northeast of Big Chief Mountain. Welldiggers Ass would typically be nothing more than a forgotten ridgeline summit if it wasn't for some key attributes it possesses. First, Welldiggers makes it onto the Backcourt List at number 87. Next, it has the best possible winter access and free endless parking. Third, there are views along the way and at the summit. Finally, the trip has a bit of history to it since it passes through the old Yodelin Ski area.

WillhiteWeb.com - Washington Hiking

Take Highway 2 over Stevens Pass. Follow it down 1.6 miles east of the pass to a right turn into a huge parking area. There are parking lots to the left and right of the building. You can get to the route from anywhere you park. The easiest would probably be the upper lot on the right side of the building.

The route up Welldiggers Ass follows a road for the first half. It takes off from the far end of the lower parking area but several steep tracks usually leave from the lodging area connecting up to it. Your goal is to get several hundred feet above the parking area onto that road. Once there, the road-route switchbacks up the mountain. At around 4,700 feet is an old concrete foundation from the old Yodelin Ski Area. From this point, to avoid extra climbing, start traversing east, even though tracks often continue uphill, usually going up point 5,023. Once on the final ridgeline, just follow it. The ridge climbs up through a burn area, then a long gentle traverse on the summit ridge. Keep walking and walking until you hit downhill and a somewhat open area with views. Your are there.