Washington, Cascades, Red Mountain. In August a party of about 25 persons reached the small lake on the Crest Trail below Red Mountain about 10:15 on a warm, sunny morning. After a rest, about twenty members (12 men, all with previous climbing experience; 4 women and 4 11-year-old boys with limited climbing experience) started up the gentle west slope of Red Mountain. About one-third of the way up, experienced climbers were sent to the right and to the left to select the easiest route. Because there was some loose rock on the slope, these “scouts” took special effort to traverse away from the party before starting up. For the same reason, the party had been kept spread across the slope with no climber permitted above any other. When the “scout” to the left of the main party reported that his route was easy, the party began to traverse to the left. Just as the main group started to move, cries of “Rock! Rock!” come from both scouts. About fifteen small rocks came from well above all climbers and down a shallow gulley through the middle of the group. Roland Amundsen was struck in the head as he tried to avoid a rock. Although he was not in great pain, it was quickly decided to seek help in evacuating him because of his injury. Two members reached the highway at 12 noon where they reported to a member of MRC. The exact cause of the rockfall will never be known but it is the consensus of the experienced climbers that it was most likely caused by some animal. Goats and marmots were observed in the area.

Source: Wes Marden and John Pollock.