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Glacier Peak Climb

Overview

The most remote of Washington's 5 major volcanoes, Glacier Peak provides a long walk through an old-growth rain forest, vast expanses of subalpine meadows, easy to moderate glacier travel, and a 10,541 foot summit deep in the heart of the North Cascades.

$1,210 Per Person
4 Days
Difficulty
Ratio:
4:1

Trip Information

$1,210
Price based on 3-4 climbers. Please contact us directly for private trips. 425-888-6397 x2 | info@proguiding.com

Glacier Peak is the most remote of Washington's 5 major volcanoes. By mountaineering standards it is a relatively easy climb, but the impressive distance and vertical gain has left an impression on many a climber. Glacier Peak provides a long walk through an old-growth rain forest, vast expanses of subalpine meadows, easy to moderate glacier travel, and a 10,541 foot summit deep in the heart of the North Cascades. All in all, it is a wonderful and soulful experience in a relatively remote section of Washington's North Cascades and is a perfect objective for the novice, but fit hiker who wants to get a taste of mountaineering.

Duration: 4
Ratio: 4:1
Difficulty Level:
Click here to learn more about difficulty ratings.

Overall difficulty: moderate

Mountaineering skills: Easy.  No prior mountaineering skills required.  Experience hiking for long days with a heavy pack and overnight backpacking strongly encouraged.

Fitness Level: Strenuous. You must be able to carry a heavy pack for multiple days in a row for up to 8 hours at a time over 4500 feet of vertical elevation gain.


Private Trips Available

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Itinerary

Day 1:  We will meet at the Darrington Ranger Station in Darrington, Washington. After introductions and a gear check we will proceed to the North Fork Sauk Trailhead (2,100’). This drive still takes over an hour, but no worries; there are good espresso stands in Darrington. We ascend up to White Pass  at 5900 feet, then under the southeast slopes of White Mountain, and finally to our scenic camp near a little tarn at around 6400 feet. It is a beautiful, but strenuous day with an elevation gain of almost 5000 feet and full packs.

Day 2.  This day is dedicated as a quasi rest and training day. After a mellow start to the day, we will spend some time honing our cramponing and self arrest skills and enjoying our beautiful surroundings. Of course, if the weather forecast indicates that this might be the best summit day, we might just go for it.

Day 3.  An early start is needed to put us in the right places at the right times. In contrast to the approach day, our summit day has an alpine flavor from start to finish. We will move through mellow terrain past the White Chuck and briefly onto the Suiattle Glacier before finally reaching the summit slopes of the Cool Glacier. The summit stands at 10541 feet. We will spend the night back at the same camp.

Day 4.  We will hike back out early enough to enjoy a good early dinner in Darrington before we part ways.

Private Trips

Pro Guiding Service proudly offers the most diverse ski touring and ski mountaineering programs of any guiding service in the Northwest. Smaller, more intimate custom itineraries or instructional tours are available for any of our destinations. Tell us what you want to do, and we can create a customized plan for you.
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Pricing

$1,210
per person
Price based on 3-4 climbers. Please contact us directly for private trips. 425-888-6397 x2 | info@proguiding.com
View Dates & Availability
Payment Policy
If booking a domestic trip that is over 60 days away or an international trip that is over 90 days away, you can book your trip by paying a 20% deposit.  View Full Policy
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel for any reason 60 or more days before domestic trips or 90 or more days before international and Alaska trips, we will refund everything you have paid minus half of your deposit. No refunds will be provided if you cancel your trip for ANY REASON (this includes but is not limited to illness including CoVid-19, injury, or work-related issues) within 60 days of the start of domestic trips or 90 days of international and Alaska based trips.  View Full Policy

Equipment List

Clothing
Base Layer
  • 1 Bottom - midweight or lightweight
  • 1 or 2 Tops - midweight or lightweight
  • Socks - 2 pair
Mid Layer
  • Windshirt or light soft shell jacket
  • Fleece or similar warm layer
  • Synthetic climbing or hiking pants
Outerwear
  • Lightweight Waterproof/Breathable Jacket
  • Lightweight Waterproof/Breathable Pants
  • Warm Hat - should cover your ears
  • Sun Hat - baseball cap or visor
  • Lightweight Gloves
  • Warm Gloves/Mittens
  • Down or Synthetic Puffy-type Jacket
  • Gaiters - low top or full size
Personal Gear
  • Backpack - 50 Liter/3100 cu.in. minimum
    • Everything must fit inside except ice axe, crampons, helmet, and pad
    • If approach shoes are worn, mountaineering boots may be on outside of pack as well
  • Sleeping Bag - down or synthetic, 20º F or warmer
  • Compression Sack - for sleeping bag
  • Sleeping Pad - closed cell foam or self inflating (or both)
  • Headlamp - lightweight LED recommended
  • 2 Water Bottles - liter bottles, wide mouth recommended
  • Water purification - tablets or filter
  • Bowl and Cup - bowl is optional if eating from freeze-dried meal bags
  • Spoon, Fork, or Spork
  • Sunglasses - adequate for snow travel
  • Sunscreen - SPF 25+, waterproof
  • Lip Balm - SPF 15+
  • Lighter
  • Personal Toiletries - keep it simple: toothbrush, tiny toothpaste, hand sanitizer
  • Small Personal First Aid Kit - just the basics: blister care, ibuprofin, prescription meds, etc.; your guides will have a substantial group first aid kit
  • Toilet Paper (blue bags provided by PGS)
Technical Gear
  • Ice Axe - lightweight, 45-70cm
  • Mountaineering Boots - crampon compatible
  • Boot Crampons - 10-12 point steel with anti-ball plates, pre-fit to boots
  • Climbing Harness - mountaineering style preferred (no padding; ex: Petzl Altitude, Black Diamond Couloir)
  • Adjustable Trekking Pole(s) - nice to have for approach/crevasse navigation
  • Helmet - climbing helmet UIAA approved
  • Personal Anchor System
  • Belay Device
  • Glacier Travel Kit:
    • 2 Locking Carabiners - 2 large/2 small with at least 1 large HMS style
    • 2 Non-locking Carabiners - any style, we recommend wire gates
    • 1 Single Length Dyneema/Dynex Runner/Sling (60cm/24in diameter loop)
    • 1 Double Length Dyneema/Dynex Runner/Sling (120cm/48in diameter loop)
    • 1 Cordelette - 6 mm cord, 6 meter length
Optional Items
  • Ear Plugs - essential for sound sleep
  • Camp Booties
  • Thermos - vacuum type
  • Electrolytes - tablets/powder/gel/blocks
  • Compass - adjustable declination a must
  • Tibloc and/or MicroTraxion devices - used for crevasse rescue
  • Collapsible Water Canteen - good for storing snowmelt at camp
  • Liner socks - if blister-prone
  • Warm Socks - to sleep in
  • Approach shoes--lightweight running shoes work well
  • Small knife
  • Neck gaiter - for protecting your face from sun, wind, cold
  • Post-course care kit (to leave in car): cotton T-shirt, flip flops, favorite treats
Equipment Sales & Rental

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FAQs

Should I tip my guide?

Although tipping is not a requirement, it is considered standard practice in the guiding industry and is appreciated by our guides. We generally recommend roughly 10%-15% of your course or trip cost or a flat amount that you are comfortable with.

Why Book With Us? 

Certified Professional Guides & All Access
All of our guides have the highest quality training and certification in the industry, and you can be sure that we have the permits, licenses and insurance in every location we operate.
Safe, Well-Planned Tour Design
Every tour has a carefully thought-out guide-to-customer ratio. You always get a safe, high-quality trip or learning environment with us.
Pioneers In The Industry
You will travel and learn from experts. We've pioneered several alpine climbing routes, ski descents, and traverses and we've written books on skills and routes in the industry. 
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