Because this is a custom climb, parts of the itinerary can be suited to your preferences. Here are samples based on our previous successes:
Day 1 - Arrive at your designated meeting location by 8am to go over equipment, distribute group gear, and finish loading your packs before driving to the Thornton Lake trailhead. The approach to camp is about 6.5 miles and up to 4,000 feet of elevation gain. It starts off simply on an old logging road, but before the hike is over you will encounter forested slopes, boulder hopping, log jams, steep grass, and scree. You'll make camp at Triumph col with gorgeous views of the lakes and mountains around you, as well as tomorrow's objective. After a long day, you will be glad to have a hot meal and go to bed early to get some rest for the summit attempt!
Day 2 - Leave camp early to start the summit attempt. Depending on the route/conditions/weather and a myriad of other factors, it can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours to reach the summit. From camp, a steep slab or snow traverse takes you to a 3rd class ramp at the start of the route. From here you face 3rd, 4th and 5th class steps requiring careful rope management, before the infamous knife edge traverse and 5.7 crux. Heather ledges take you to the summit. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment and the stunning views into the Pickets and greater North Cascade range - you earned it! From there the journey isn't over as the descent takes just as much care. You can expect a mix careful downclimbing and 10+ rappels before setting foot back on the snowfield. One more traverse and you'll be ready to crawl right into your sleeping bag.
Day 3 - Enjoy a relaxing morning staring up at the peak you just climbed and dreaming of the ones you will! Break down camp, and head back to the cars. You can expect to be back to the trailhead by 4pm.
