Route: Thompson, West Ridge Climbed: October 8, 2000 Approach: In early season it is best to go up Commonwealth basin then ascend directly to Kendall Cat walk. However, this exposes you to avalanches from Red Mtn - be ware. If you are too early the cat walk may be covered with steep snow, making passage difficult and dangerous. As can the PCT from ridge lake to Bumble Bee pass. In these conditions allow a full, long day for the approach. When the trail is snow free allow 5 hours. From the basin, scramble up to the west ridge. Take the right most gully that leads directly to the base of the ridge. At the top of the gully a trail (ramp) curves left and deposits you on the ridge crest. Scramble over blocks to the proper base of the ridge. The first move is the most difficult, and unprotected. I went directly up the corner for 10 ft, then traversed left into the gully. It is *probably* easier to start left of the corner. There, on the exposed west face, is is a small ramp which leads directly up to the gully. 2 or 3 pitches bring you to slabs. Another long or two short pitches bring you to the false summit. And one more short pitch brings you to the summit. Climbing is low 5th class. Difficult to protect in places but easy enough that it never felt uncomfortably run out. Descend the ridge on the opposite side of the summit. You'll find an almost trail that leads down. After dropping no more than 40 ft you'll come to some 4th class down climbing which is not too exposed. We lowered packs and scrambled down. Next are 3rd class slabs. You can go right, left, or down the center. We went down the center and I would choose left next time. Continue on down, slabs then trail, till you can cross the large notch at base of the ridge (which you saw from the basin). TH to base camp: 4.5 hours. camp to route: 1 hour. Route to summit: 3.5 hours. Summit break: 0.5 hours. Summit to camp: 1.5 hours. Camp to TH: 3.5 hours. [Route description written by Tom Unger]