- Ages 16+
- All levels
There’s a reason Mount Shuksan is one of the most photographed peaks in North America. Take in unbelievable close-up views of Mount Baker and the North Cascades.
Quick Details
Glacier Peak Wilderness Summit Adventure
At 10,500 feet, Glacier Peak is Washington’s fifth-highest mountain. It is the most remote of Washington’s volcanoes, located within the strikingly beautiful Glacier Peak Wilderness. If you have spent time in the backcountry of the Cascades, chances are you’ve seen this hidden gem rising above the surrounding peaks.
This trip is a great option for those with backpacking experience who want to venture into the world of mountaineering. The approach hike to Glacier is long but beautiful, and the ascent to the peak includes some easy glacier travel.
Climb a mountain, fundraise for a cause, build skills to last a lifetime.
Kaf Adventures has partnered with the Washington Trails Association (WTA). In participating in our charity climb, not only will you tackle some of Washington’s highest peaks, but you’ll also be giving back to the trails that help get you there.
That’s because your tax-deductible fundraising goal will go straight to Washington Trails Association’s mission to preserve, enhance, and promote hiking opportunities in Washington state
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Pre-Trip Meeting
- 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Pre-trip meeting at our office. You will bring all personal gear and equipment to this meeting. We will go over the route and itinerary as well as go over personal and group gear to ensure everyone has what they need.
Day 1:
- Travel to the North Fork of Sauk River trailhead. Hike toward the peak. We’ll find a place to camp for the night, likely near the Pacific Crest Trail.
Day 2:
- Continue our approach to the mountain. Set up camp at the base of our climb. We will aim to get lots of rest for our upcoming summit bid.
Day 3:
- Summit day! Ascend Glacier Peak via the Cool glacier. After the summit, we may opt to take down camp and start our way back toward the trailhead to ease our final day.
Day 4:
- Hike out to the trailhead and head home.
Transportation
- All participants will be responsible for getting themselves to the pre-trip meeting. Kaf does not provide transportation for the outing; however, we recognize that transportation can be challenging. Once registered, Kaf will provide information regarding meeting times, locations, and any required parking permits. If interested in carpooling, we will orchestrate a meeting place between participants.
Out-of-Town Participants
- We recommend that anyone flying into Seattle arrive as early as possible on the day before the trip. We also recommend you do not book a return flight until late (red-eye) on the last day of the trip, or the following morning.
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- 18+ for adult courses or 16+ with consent from a guardian and Kaf approval
- 12-18 for youth courses
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None, but prior backpacking or wilderness travel experience is a plus.
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- Snow and Glacier Camping
- Rope Management and Glacier Rigging
- Navigation, Map, and Compass Usage
- Gear Packing and Equipment Choices
- Self-Arrest and Ice-Axe Technique, Crampon Usage
- Snow and Glacier Camping
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- Professional instruction from full-time mountaineering instructors at a maximum of a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio
- Passes and permits
- All group climbing gear
- All group camping and kitchen equipment
- Dinners and breakfasts while in the field
- Custom fundraising web page through Washington Trails Association, to help you meet your fundraising goal
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- Personal clothing, climbing, and personal camping gear
- Lunches, snacks, water carrying capacity
- Transportation is not included. Kaf will assist in organizing a carpool. See further details below.
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- You will receive a full packing list following registration, but please feel free to contact us with any gear or equipment specific questions you have. A brief list of what you will need to provide for yourself:
- Personal climbing gear: Multi-day pack, helmet, harness, mountaineering boots, glacier rig, ice tools, and crampons
- Personal camping gear: Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- You will receive a full packing list following registration, but please feel free to contact us with any gear or equipment specific questions you have. A brief list of what you will need to provide for yourself:
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Transportation and times will be coordinated by email when the pre-trip announcement is sent to all registrants.
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Consider joining us for any of our other Mountaineering Courses and Ice Climbing: Beginner.