Mt. Shuksan Summit Climb
Mt. Shuksan Summit Climb
Mt. Shuksan Summit Climb
Mt. Shuksan Summit Climb
Mt. Shuksan Summit Climb
Mt. Shuksan Summit Climb

Mt. Shuksan Summit Climb

Starting from

$999.00
/

CALL TO BOOK:
(206) 413-5418

Trip Type

Custom Climbs

The Pacific Northwest is well known for the glacier-covered volcanoes that dominate the landscape and attract the attention of climbers from all over the world. But beyond the big names of Tahoma, Kulshan, and Wy'east lie thousands of other peaks worthy of exploration. The Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges are steep, rugged, and will take you to high alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and icy glaciers that most people can only dream of.

Whether you are a local climber looking for your next challenge or have honed your skills elsewhere and are visiting Washington for the first time, Kaf Adventures would love for you to join us on some of the greatest experiences the PNW has to offer. We have carefully chosen a selection of featured objectives that offer the perfect training ground to push your skills to the next level under the tutelage of our professional guides. 

Custom climbs:
  • Are booked on a custom basis, meaning your group on your schedule (subject to backcountry permit availability). 
  • Have a maximum client to guide ratio based on management strategies that cannot be exceeded.
  • Incorporate movement on snow and glaciated terrain, as well as varying degrees of 3rd, 4th, and 5th class rock. 
  • Each have their own requirements for incoming skills and fitness. Please see the "Walk in With" tab below for specifics and be prepared to discuss further with us if needed.
  • Are not limited to this selection. If you dream it, we can help you do it! For other ideas, see guidebook resources such as Beckey’s 100 Favorite North American Climbs, Kearney’s Classic Climbs of the Northwest, Steck & Roper’s 50 Classic Climbs of North America, and Nelson & Potterfield’s Select Climbs in the Cascades.


Mount Shuksan

The Crown Jewel of the North Cascades! Mt. Shuksan is one of the most photographed peaks in the world, and for great reason: it is stunningly beautiful. Covered in glaciers, rock ridges, and deep forests, Shuksan is a true alpine paradise. Mount Shuksan offers a wide range of climbs from intermediate alpine test-pieces like Fisher Chimneys, to classic glaciated adventures like the Sulphide Glacier route. No route up this mountain is “easy”, as the summit pinnacle makes all whom want to stand on top earn the last 400′ by rock climbing.

Sulphide Glacier

If you want to take the next step after scrambling and are looking to put your skills to the test in a glaciated and rocky environment, Mt. Shuksan’s Sulphide Glacier is waiting!

Rising 5,000′ from the surrounding terrain, Mount Shuksan via the Sulphide Glacier is a long and committing climb and a serious undertaking. Heavily crevassed glacier navigation make this a fantastic beginner to intermediate climb. Finishing off the summit pinnacle with a rock scramble makes Mt. Shuksan is a well-rounded climbing experience.

Fisher Chimneys

This route is truly a magical climbing experience. Travel through ancient deciduous forests, camp along a pristine alpine lake or a knife edge ridge, and climb 3,000′ of 4th to low 5th class rock that exits directly onto a heavily crevassed glacier. If you want to put all of your skills to the test and gain loads of knowledge of complex alpine travel, this climb will not disappoint.

While Fisher Chimneys will push you physically, Kaf Adventures will help you get there with as little risk as possible. You'll leave feeling like a competent, integral member of the team.

Duration

  • 3 days
  • 2 nights

Season

  • Spring
  • Summer

Client:Guide Ratio

3:1

Minimum Participants

1

Because this is a custom climb, parts of the itinerary can be suited to your preferences. Here are samples based on our previous successes:

Sulphide Glacier

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 Shannon Ridge trailhead. The approach to basecamp is 4-5 miles and up to 4,000 feet of elevation gain through the forest and to the toe of the glacier. After setting up basecamp, you'll spend the afternoon practicing crampon and ice axe techniques, self-arrest, glacier rigging, rope team travel, and more. 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 - Wake up early for an alpine start. Depending on the route/conditions/weather and a myriad of other factors, it can take anywhere from 5 to 10 hours to reach the summit. Most of your travel will be on the Sulphide Glacier, navigating through crevassed terrain as you gradually ascend. In the last 500' you will reach the summit block, which will require steep snow climbing and some belayed scrambling. Soon you will be on top! Enjoy the views and sense of accomplishment - you earned it! After a short celebration, you will rappel and lower down the summit block, then plunge step several thousand feet back to camp for a well-deserved meal and rest.

Day 3 - Enjoy a relaxing morning, then break down camp, and head back down. You can expect to be back to the trailhead by 2pm.

Fisher Chimneys

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 Lake Ann trailhead. The first few miles are a good warmup before reaching the infamous Chimneys that require scrambling 3rd and 4th class terrain while looking up at the splendid views of the mountain and glaciers above. We'll set up camp above the chimneys; overall the approach to basecamp is 4-5 miles and up to 4,000 feet of elevation. In the afternoon you'll have some time to practice crampon and ice axe techniques, self-arrest, glacier rigging, rope team travel, and more. 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 - Wake up early for an alpine start. 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. Today's journey will take you over 3 different glaciers and 2 steep and icy slopes. In the last 500' you will reach the summit block, which will require steep snow climbing and some belayed scrambling. Soon you will be on top! Enjoy the views and sense of accomplishment - you earned it! After a short celebration, you will rappel and lower down the summit block, then plunge step several thousand feet back to camp for a well-deserved meal and rest.

Day 3 - Enjoy a relaxing morning, then break down camp, and head back down. The chimneys will require multiple rappels. Don't forget to save some energy for the last bit of uphill before reaching your car. You can expect to be back to the trailhead by 4pm.

Sulphide Glacier

  • Ability to safely travel on moderate snow slopes with crampons and ice axe is recommended.
  • Proficiency in basic climbing knots and hitches and ability to safely lead belay is recommended.
  • Experience scrambling class 3 terrain and/or the ability to rappel is recommended.
  • Any additional climbing or mountaineering experience will enhance your ability to learn, but is not required.
  • Ability to hike for 6-8 hours and ascend up to 4000' with a 40 lb pack, several days in a row.

Fisher Chimneys

  • Glacier Mountaineering Skills Course or equivalent experience.
  • Proficiency in all basic mountaineering skills and experience as a member of a rope team on at least 1 glaciated climb.
  • Comfort ascending and descending steep snow using crampons and ice axe.
  • Crevasse Rescue Application or equivalent experience and recent practice is recommended.
  • Proficiency in basic climbing knots and hitches and ability to safely lead belay.
  • Previous experience outdoor rock climbing at 5.6 or above.
  • Ability to rappel under supervision is recommended.
  • Ability to hike for 6-8 hours and ascend up to 4000' with a 40 lb pack, several days in a row.
  • Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
  • 7-10 days before your trip you will receive an email from your guide containing even more details, including the exact meetup location and time.
  • Plan to attend a virtual pre-trip meeting in the evening a few days before your course begins. This is required and a great opportunity to meet your guide, review gear, discuss your trip plan, and ask any last minute questions. For Sat-Sun AIARE courses plan on Thursday 6:30-8:30pm; otherwise the exact time of your meeting will be set by your instructor and noted in their welcome email.
  • Leading up to your course, make sure to eat healthy, drink extra water, and get plenty of sleep.
  • Please arrive on time and ready to go at your pre-arranged meeting location. Upon arrival, we'll distribute any group gear and finish loading our packs. From there we will caravan to the trailhead.
  • All along the way, our office team is available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have.

This trip will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

  • Pre-trip planning.
  • Route finding and navigation in glaciated terrain.
  • Snow camping.
  • Ascending and descending steep snow slopes using crampons and ice axe.
  • Glacier rigging, rope team travel, and rope management.
  • Safe travel techniques in a snowy and icy environment.
  • Alpine rock movement and technique.
  • Rappelling.


PLUS:

  • A fun experience you’ll remember forever! 
  • A sense of accomplishment in achieving your goals for the trip.
  • Confidence in your newfound skills and where to take them next.
  • Tips and tricks to add to your toolbox from our professional and knowledgeable guides.

Equipment List

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Travel Information & Trip Insurance

Meet the Team

Gratuities

FAQs

Mt. Shuksan Summit Climb

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