Glacier Peak - Advanced Beginner Summit Climb

Glacier Peak is perhaps the most unique of our “Classic Summits,” ascending the Cascade Range's lone wilderness volcano. Glacier Peak Wilderness Area was established by Congress in 1964 to provide solitude for all, and to allow the landscape to remain in pristine condition. We climb the peak via the Disappointment Peak Cleaver Route - traveling on the White Chuck, Gerdine, and Cool Glaciers – a remote and aesthetic route.

The fourteen-mile approach takes us through one of the region’s most pristine and incredible wilderness areas; past ancient old-growth forest of cedar, fir and hemlock, and through blueberry-riddled alpine meadows. The forest of the Sauk River Valley eventually yields to the high alpine and our first camp near White Pass along the famed Pacific Crest Trail. After moving cross-country to our second camp, we can do a glacier travel skills review, or just rest up for summit day. The climbing on day three is diverse and interesting and very moderate - panoramic views of the vast wilderness reward us as we climb toward the 10,520 foot summit.