Mt. Shuksan is one of the most photographed mountains in the world and an icon for the state of Washington. It is situated on the northwestern edge of the famed North Cascades National Park and is a mere 10 miles east of neighbor Mount Baker. The world record holder for annual snowfall – the Mount Baker Ski Area – is actually located on the flanks of Shuksan. It is a massive and complex mountain and is often compared to the Weisshorn of the Swiss Alps. Its varied rock terrain, hanging glaciers, and complicated route finding making it an excellent objective for the beginning or advanced climber.

The Fisher Chimneys Route is a longer, more involved and advanced climb than the standard Sulphide Glacier route, and is a great introduction to intermediate level alpine climbing with reasonable technical difficulties. The ascent follows a scenic glacier-carved valley to a little lake overlooking a spectacular basin. The climb initially involves easy rock climbing in a series of chimneys, then climbs a fun and short section of alpine ice, and continues over moderate glaciated terrain on parts of three different glacier systems. All routes on Shuksan culminate with the imposing 700 foot summit pyramid which is commonly climbed up a central snow and rock gully, or the more aesthetic 5.5 rock of the southeast ridge. Join us on our climb of the Fisher Chimneys and share in the beauty and grandeur of Mount Shuksan!

Each year we offer one or two scheduled climbs at a discounted rate and during the "prime" of the season. Otherwise, all other climbs can be scheduled and priced on a custom basis.

Day 1: Arrive in Seattle. Hiking begins in Artist Point.

The drive from Seattle to the trailhead takes approximately 3.5 hours. Our approach begins by Artist Point and is adjacent to the famed Mt. Baker Ski area (holder of the world record seasonal snowfall of 1,040 inches in 1998-1999). The hike to base camp takes from 3 4 hours - passing through high alpine meadows and clusters of Mountain Hemlock before climbing to a small camp at Lake Ann.

Day 2: Summit day!

Summit day begins with a pre-dawn start. The first section of the climb involves a traverse and easy rock climbing (4th to low 5th) in a series of chimneys. Above the chimneys, we climb up Winnies Slide on moderate snow and ice, and continue up and over parts of three different glaciers – the White Salmon, Upper Curtis and Sulphide Glaciers. The final section of the Fisher Chimneys Route concludes with a 5.0 rock climb up the central part of the summit pyramid, or a 5.5 variation up the SE Ridge. The summit of Mt Shuksan is perhaps one of the finest vantage points in all of the North Cascades! The descent is made by reversing the climbing route. Expect this to take upwards of 5 hours.

Day 3: Hike back to Artist Point then return to Seattle where tour ends.

After a leisurely breakfast, we break camp, and hike back to the Artist Point trailhead by noon or 1 p.m. Expect to arrive back in Seattle by late afternoon or early evening. A popular stopover is at the North Fork Brewery (great pizza and beer) outside the town of Glacier.