Overview
Classic North Cascades alpine route with diverse terrain
Traverse steep snow, glacier, and alpine rock on one of the Cascades’ most beautiful routes.
Guided technical instruction
Learn route-finding, glacier travel, and alpine rock skills with professional support.
Scenic high camp
High camp in one of the most beautiful alpine settings in the range.
Season and Conditions
May – September (best July – September).
details
Everything you need to know before you go
If you need to rent crampons, ice axe, harness, or helmet, you can let us know when you book!
Included
Dinners & Breakfast
Tents
ropes
Cooking Gear
Expert Guides
NOT Included
Lunch/Snacks
Transportation
Personal Gear/Clothing
Preparation
Fitness
techincal
Altitude
Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1
Approach & Camp
Meet your guide at the Glacier Public Service Center for introductions and a thorough gear check. We'll drive to the trailhead and begin hiking through forest and meadows toward the stunning Lake Ann basin. Our approach takes us into the heart of the North Cascades, with views of Shuksan's dramatic north face growing more impressive with each step. We'll establish high camp either just below or above the Fisher Chimneys depending on snow conditions and team preferences. The afternoon includes rope skills practice for rock climbing sections we'll encounter on summit day, along with reviewing efficient transitions between terrain types. After dinner, rest up while taking in the incredible alpine setting.
DAY 2
Summit Day
Today is a camp-to-camp summit push on one of the Cascades' most aesthetic routes. We'll climb steep snow or ice up Winnie's Slide and Hell's Highway, working our way toward the Upper Curtis and Sulphide Glaciers. After crossing the glaciers and navigating around crevasses, we reach the exposed summit pyramid where we'll climb 4th to low 5th class rock to gain the beautiful summit. The views from the top are absolutely spectacular—a 360-degree panorama of the North Cascades. We'll reverse our route back to camp, downclimbing and rappelling technical sections as needed. Summit days typically run 8-12 hours depending on conditions and pace.
DAY 3
Descent and Celebration
Wake with the sunrise and enjoy a relaxed breakfast while sharing stories from yesterday's summit adventure. After breaking camp, we'll hike back down through the Lake Ann basin and forest, savoring final views of Shuksan's impressive north face. The descent typically takes 3-4 hours back to the trailhead. We'll regroup at the Glacier Public Service Center by early afternoon, where many teams choose to grab a celebratory lunch together. If flying out the same day, book flights after 7pm to ensure plenty of time for the drive to the airport.
FAQ's
FAQ's
Gear List
Gear List
Gear required to bring up on the mountain given the conditions may vary trip to trip. Your guide will help you decide what gear to bring or leave behind during the gear-check. If you need to rent crampons, ice axe, harness, or helmet, you can let us know when you book!
