Brad Washburn's Logbook, 1951. Brad Washburn's personal account of the first ascent of McKinley's West Buttress allows the reader to share in this historic expedition. Written over 50 years ago, his logbook still holds the excitement and wonder of each unfolding day. Washburn's pioneering work on the West Buttress opened up what is now, for over 1000 climbers each year, the most popular route on Mount McKinley.