Summit the most iconic peaks of the Pacific Northwest with our experienced guides. With a decades-long track record on these routes, we’ll keep you safe on the climb of a lifetime.
By Activity | Mountaineering | Rock Climbing | Ice Climbing | Backcountry Skiing
By Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced
Northwest Climbs
SUMMIT CLIMBS
Northwest Alpine Guides offers summit climbs throughout the North Cascades of Washington State. The peaks of the Pacific Northwest are the most heavily glaciated mountains in the Lower 48 States, and they rank high among the world’s premier climbing destinations. Whether you are a first-time climber just beginning to explore the mountains or an experienced mountaineer focused on developing your skills, the Cascade Mountains are an excellent landscape for your adventures.
Mount Baker – At 10,781 feet, Mount Baker is the third highest mountain in Washington State and the second most glaciated peak in the Lower 48 States. Northwest Alpine Guides offers a variety of climbs on this iconic peak. You may summit via our two-day Summit Climb on either the Easton Glacier or the Coleman Deming Glacier Route, or in conjunction with our three-day Intro to Mountaineering or five-day Glacier Mountaineering course. Advanced climbers may join us for an ascent of Mount Baker’s dramatic North Ridge.
Mount Shuksan – At 9,131 feet, Mount Shuksan offers challenging, varied climbing in a beautiful wilderness setting. Northwest Alpine Guides offers two route options on this “Jewel of the North Cascades”: the Sulphide Glacier for beginner climbers and the Fisher Chimneys for intermediate climbers. Both routes feature old growth forests, glacier climbing and rock scrambling.
Glacier Peak – At 10,541 feet, Glacier Peak is the most isolated of Washington State’s five major volcanoes. Known as “Dakobed” in the Sauk Indian dialect, it stands alone in the heart of the Glacier Peak Wilderness. The standard South Side Route via the Gerdine and Cool glaciers offers an excellent remote mountain experience for climbers of all skill levels.
Mount Olympus – At 7,962 feet, Mount Olympus is the highest peak on the Olympic Peninsula. It is one of the most aesthetic mountains in Washington, a remote and peaceful collection of rock pinnacles emerging from a massive ice cap riddled with crevasses and dramatic ice falls. From the summit, climbers enjoy views of the rest of the Olympic Mountains, the Cascades, Seattle, and Victoria, B.C.
Mount Rainier – At 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier ranks among the tallest peaks in the contiguous United States. Our climb ascends the Disappointment Cleaver Route to the upper Emmons Glacier and continues to Columbia Crest, where we stand at the highest point in the Cascades Mountains and in Washington State.
Sahale Mountain – At 8,680 feet, Sahale Mountain is a moderate climb surrounded by stunning 360-degree views of the North Cascades. Climbers may choose between two route options on Sahale, the Quien Sabe Glacier or the Sahale Glacier. The routes follow mountain streams through lush forests, then cross glaciers to reach Sahale’s final snow ridge and a rocky summit scramble.
Eldorado Peak – At 8,868 feet, Eldorado Peak rises out of the longest continuous ice sheet in the Lower 48 States. From its unforgettable, knife-edge summit ridge, climbers enjoy spectacular views of the North Cascades.
Ruth Mountain – At 7,115 feet, Ruth Mountain is a moderate glaciated peak and a fitting objective for beginner mountaineers. From the icy summit of this ancient volcano, climbers enjoy panoramic views of Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker, Hannegan Peak, and the rarely visited Picket Range.
Forbidden Peak – At 8,815 feet, Forbidden Peak is accessed from the spectacular Boston Basin, one of the most sought-after climbing destinations in the North Cascades. Advanced climbers will enjoy the classic West Ridge Route, one of the best moderate alpine climbs in North Cascades National Park.
