This was his first time climbing in mountain boots as well. Before June 16, priority for Foothills Climbing community. Learn to appreciate and respect this signature ritual of Cascades climbs. I ran into the bathroom. This trail goes by Park Boundary Marker, Upper Curtis Glacier, and The Hourglass. Photo from summit of Baker. However, while browsing rec.gov I noticed that previously unavailable permits for Price XC zone on Shuksan had become available, probably a cancellation due to the weekend only having a 2-day window of splitter weather. You should be able to hike/climb for 1 to 2 hours at a time, punctuated by 10 minute breaks, for up to 12 hours. From the top of the Slide, moderate climbing across three glaciers (White Salmon, Upper Curtis and Sulphide) leads to the foot of the summit pyramid, which we ascend via a 3rd class scramble up the central gully, or 5th class rock climbing on the pyramids Southeast Ridge. The Sulphide Glacier, the Fisher Chimneys, and the North Face are all commonly climbed, and regularly guided. We weren't in a huge rush on day one so we left Seattle at 7 AM and started hiking around 10 AM. Helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Mount Shuksan: Fisher Chimneys Attempt. Location: Mount ShuksanRatio: 2:1 climber to guide (max. Our initial plan was to camp at the bottom of Winnie's slide but the ranger station put an end to that saying all permits for the Price glacier area were gone for the weekend. For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Global Rescue. This low ratio program (2:1 max) is tailored to the goals, objectives, and experience level of participants, including ascents of both Mt. All programs are subject to the Mountain Bureau LLC Terms & Conditions, MOUNTAIN BUREAU LLC 1752 Northwest Market Street Box 414, Seattle, Washington, United States +1.6-one-9.432.546-two contact@mountainbureau.com. Please read ourGuide Picksblog postfor gear recommendations by specific brands. Although food must still be stored securely from wildlife, canisters are not required for camping or bivying on glaciers or on high routes along ridge lines. . Unfortunately, we were a good 15 minutes into it before I realized this, so we continued to route find our way up to the chimneys entrance on what was probably a less efficient path. Bladders may pop and hydration hoses freeze in the cold. Check the weather, avalanche forecast, gear recommendations, and more on the safety page. Tax ID: 27-3009280. Mount Shuksan/Fisher Chimneys. The road Is closed a little bit before the official lake Ann trailhead but you can park in the lower lots and walk up ( less than half a mile). The Permits: A trail marker negates the boundary for North . ), Trailhead parking fees (Northwest Forest Pass), Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of trip deposit), Optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of trip deposit), Small personal first-aid kit with medications and blister kit. The Sulphide was cruiser, very straightforward and direct path up to the summit. Me leading up the final (I think) pitch of the ridge just behind the party ahead of us. Overview. After getting both of them set up with extended rappels, I would rap with coils to get the ropes down to the next station and set up. Many injuries occur on the approach, when climbers often let their guard down, but the most serious injuries can occur during a climb. Most climbers will fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) the evening before the program and rent a car for the hour and forty-five minute drive to Sedro Woolley, Washington. We cannot overstate how critical it is for you to bring foods that you enjoy eating. We reached the Sulphide glacier just as morning twilight was beginning. Access to large portions of North Cascades National Park are limited and it is difficult in peak season to acquire access to popular climbs. The Mountain Bureau LLC operates under Special Use Permits with the Mt. Climbing and wilderness rangers are on hand to provide advice, answer questions, or assist in trip planning. Rising to a height of 9,131 feet, Mt. Follow a trail toward the lower Curtis Glacier. We recommend a selection of sweet, sour and salty food. A ranger ascends the Fisher Chimneys route on Mt. Shuksan. Shuksan's Fisher Chimneys Route and summit pyramid. Instant noodle soups and rice are also popular. The Fisher Chimney Route is an excellent choice for intermediate mountaineers. Wildflowers blooming. Rapping the famous 'dihedral'. Day 2: Climb the North Face, circumnavigate to the base of the summit pyramid, climb to the summit, descend to the top of the Fisher Chimneys. When you must cross a vegetated area, spread out so that all your footsteps dont crush the same plant. Hike 4.2 miles to Lake Anne to camp for the evening. At the base of the slide, the bivy spots were full, but we were told by the previous party that everyone up there had summited that day and were coming down. June 26-27. Dates & Prices. I left the second weekend open, not knowing what routes would be in the best condition that far ahead. Protect your gear and keep animals wild by urinating on bare rock, far away from camping areas, and by keeping salty gear and other food items out of reach of wildlife (use a bear canister, or hang food from tree limbs or large boulders). Fisher Chimneys with the more technical SE Ridge finish was a very bold trip for 2 brand new climbers, it took longer than expected. After some snacks and refilling our water, we set off for the descent. Fisher Chimneys with the more technical SE Ridge finish was a very bold trip for 2 brand new climbers, it took longer than expected. Snow Trad, Ice, Snow, Alpine . X NO backpacking or trekking boots are allowed above high camp on any trip. Protect wildlife and your gear Baker. Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach. This gully system is called Fisher Chimneys and contains sections of small gullies (chimneys) to climb up. Many a climber on a long, back-breaking approach has cursed thickets of devils club or slide alder or the clinging snags of downed trees. The approach to high camp via hiking and easy rock climbing in a series of chimneys takes 6 hours. The ridge was fun, had exciting but not intimidating exposure on both sides, and the rock was solid enough. Rob scrambling up to the start of his first ever rock climb (of any kind! As we headed downhill into the darkness, the flies seemed to dissipate, and we made good time to Lake Ann. Although it took more time, I set up rappels on the tough sections of the chimneys. Photo by Blitzo. Note: CamelBaks and other bladder-style hydration systems may be used in addition to two water bottles, but are not sufficient. Shuksan via Shannon Ridge or Lake Ann, and many other climbs). Join Us on a 4 Day Mt. Shuksan, Fisher Chimneys . Turn around when conditions or common sense tell you to do so. The Mountaineers teaches skills and leads outdoor activities for all ages and levels in the Pacific Northwest. Heather and huckleberry are woody species whose stems break under the weight of boots, packs, or tents. The Guide Hut offers a wide variety of freeze-dried meals for purchase, including vegan and gluten free options. It wasnt exactly enjoyable or easy to wake up so early, but it had to happen, so we pushed through and were moving by 3:40am. Joe and rob looking a little tiredconsidering that Rob had never climbed even a single pitch of anything before today, Joe had never been on a glacier before, and I had was leading my first ever glacier-rock combination alpine route this was a huge success! There were two moments when the extra 10m was needed, but only because we were pitching everything out both instances would have been overcome if we had been down climbing or simul climbing. Backpacks smaller than 65 liters are not acceptable. Shuksan is one of the most photographed mountains in the world. Backcountry Permits. Very happy to be done with the chimney scrambling and have the helmets off. Mt. Snow . On this trip we will attempt the Fisher Chimney's . Shuksan is one of the most photographed mountains in the world with its . July 3 July 5, 2023 1 spot left Our guides are dedicated mountain professionals who work hard to ensure your success and wellbeing on the mountain. Northwest Alpine Guides will provide you with a detailed PreClimb departure book upon registration including a gear list specific to your trip, meeting location and driving directions. Climbing boots must be full shank and crampon compatible. This is an advanced level climb suitable for climbers in excellent physical condition with solid backpacking skills and prior glacier and rock climbing experience. That said, it is linked to one of the most striking features on the mountain. Pushing past Lake Ann, the group will climb another 2,000 ft to their camp above the Lower Curtis Glacier; 4.8 Miles, +2,500 Elevation Gain, 4 Hrs Travel Time, 35-45 lb Pack WeightDay 2 - In the alpine air, training clinics will begin. Requires good physical condition and endurance. North Cascades Mountain Guides is among the few companies fortunate enough to be allowed to guide trips to the summit of Mount Rainier. Guidebooks Numerous popular climbing guidebooks are available for learning about routes and peaks in the park. The cloud layer pushing up against the mountain made for a dramatic sunset. Mt. Heading up the final slope to the start of the chimneys. Mt. A couple parties came through the upper Bivy, including some climbing rangers who did their usual permit checks. 810 State Route 20 Engineering. Do ask rangers about your bathroom options in various climbing areasrangers are happy to answer questions. Fisher Chimneys 3 Day Ascent. Shuksan Arm is located in the Mount Baker National Forest. Mountain climbing can be unpredictable weather conditions can change in a moment and one wrong step can lead to an injury. North Cascades Alpine Climbing. All balances are due 120 days prior to climb start date and can be paid by check, wire transfer, or by credit card with a surcharge of 3%. Video Resource: What to Expect the Morning of the Climb. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources. We got together early every Thursday and worked on rope skills, gear selection, and other academic type content that was workable in a classroom setting, with the intent of 'graduating' with two weekend climbing trips in August. Bring layers of fleece or wool clothing and a good sleeping bag to keep warm. and then we had to drive way off route into Marblemount to pick up a Park Service backcountry permitthe Park Service offices in Sedro Wooley and Glacier both closed at 4:30 pm that day and didn't open until 7:45 am on . This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. I had some field trips in July planned to practice snow and glacier skills, some conditioners up mailbox peak, and had booked campsites near Mazama for the first weekend, intended to be 'rock practical skills'. . Rental gear must be reserved in advance online atTheGuideHut.com. Photo Daniel Bynum. Traverse for about 70 ft, then turn left up a side gully 100 ft to where the route tops out on the ridge. The drive to Lake Ann Trailhead at 4,700 feet takes approximately two hours. Authorized guide services If you are just learning to climb or are looking to expand your mountaineering skills, a guided course or class might be right for you. Approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead is a signed . The Fisher Chimneys of Mount Shuksan draws climbers seeking a dynamic, variable route entailing a variety of features. The Guide Hut offers a selection of mountaineering equipment and clothing for purchase and rent. . Rob belaying Joe up. Shuksan, Fisher Chimneys via SE Ridge. Or, walk-up permits can be obtained for free from any park ranger station in-person just before your climb, if sites are available, on a last-minute basis. The traditional name of Mount Shuksan in the Nooksack language is Shqsan ("high foot") or Ch'sqen ("golden eagle") Climbing this mountain can be a significant challenge, especially taking the route that we did. Mount Shuksan. Here are a few details of our successful summit climb of Mount Shuksan Fisher Chimneys. Rental gear must be reserved in advance online at, endurance, core strength, flexibility and balance, For your safety and the safety of your rope team, you must, be able to maintain the pace set by our guides, e lose precious daylight hours and we expose ourselves to quickly shifting, VISIT OUR ONLINE GEAR SHOP > THE GUIDE HUT, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Burlington, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Burlington. On each day, we will encourage you to eat at regular, short maintenance breaks, roughly once every hour. From the summit, we enjoy views of the glaciers beneath us on Shuksans north face, and the serrated peaks of the North Cascades. With the second weekend rapidly approaching I had to figure out what our objective would be. Baker-Snoqualmie & Okanogan-Wenatchee, and Shoshone National Forests, the North Cascades and Denali National Parks, as well as Monticello, Moab, and Banks Lake Bureau of Land Management and Washington State Parks. Joe heading up to the base of Winnie's Slide, Practicing running belays using pickets on Winnie's Slide, The Upper Curtis glacier comes into view nearing the higher bivy site. My goal for the summer of 2022 was to reinvigorate my goal of leading alpine climbs; the last time I had led anything was back in 2016-2017; and at that time, I had led a few multi-pitch rock climbs to 5.7 but nothing truly alpine. Many climbers, particularly those who are new to the sport, will benefit from a workout plan designed to prepare you for the rigors of mountaineering. Mountaineers Books is a registered trademark of The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It wasn't super fast but I wanted to have them learn to manage the multi pitch transitions and system as their own 'second rope team'. Shuksan, Mt. Shuksan: This is a notch harder than the standard route on Mt. Shuksan is one of the most photographed mountains in the world. In retrospect 2x 50m 8.9s would have been equally as effective and much lighter. Joe getting ready to do the fun little 'au cheval' exposed step over on the chimney traverse section. Learn to navigate using map and compass, or harness the technology of GPS. The main parking lot was full so we parked in the overflow lot. Variations are possible, and even likely, in the chimneys. An unlikely series of moderate features breach Shuksan's sheer Southwest Face, yielding access to the upper glaciers and summit pyramid where climbers navigate through a maze of rock and ice to a spectacular . The above photo shows Shuksan on the left and Baker on the right. Watch for rockfall in the chimneys and take special care on the summit pyramid gully because of loose rock and multiple parties. For your safety and the safety of your rope team, you mustbe able to maintain the pace set by our guideswhile maintaining reserves of strength. Tax ID: 27-3009280. You should be able to ascend 3,000 feet per day while carrying 20-25 pounds on your back, and 4,000 feet per day while carrying 45 pounds or more on your back. This is our happy place. WA Turn left onto F&S Grade Road. more information on current conditions Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. I also had never led a complex alpine route or led anything glaciated before. This route is the one most often seen on photographs of Lake Ann and Shuksan. I didnt realize at the time, but the low route was certainly the least used.and by least, I mean probably almost never. You will need to obtain a NW Forest Pass or equivalent parking permit to leave your car at the trailhead lot. Baker-Snoqualmie & Okanogan-Wenatchee, and Shoshone National Forests, the North Cascades and Denali National Parks, as well as Monticello, Moab, and Banks Lake . September 2017. Single-use passes are $5.00 per day. The experience of more sustained rock scrambling with full packs was new for Joe and Rob but they kept at it steadily. At the top of Hells Highway, we put the crampons on evaluated the slope. The Mountain Bureau will never share or sell your information. Depends on, Priority for the Everett basic students others open up on July 1st . Turn left onto F & S Grade Road, From State Highway 20 East, at the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Cook Road (after the Walgreens), Follow Cook Road to Borseth Road in Sedro-Woolley, 7 min (4.3 mi) The approach is brutalvery steep and much longer than the guidebooks make it seem, and the slabs can be sketchy, the route finding is much more challenging, and time management and speed is a big deal because it's much a longer route, you're pitching out sections which takes a lot of time, and there . Shuksan summit pyramid couloir is about 40% snow covered. However, excellent weather and generous trip planning made this a very successful outing with abundant learning opportunities. We got to the Lake Ann trailhead a bit after sunset, welcomed by swarms of biting flies. Climbing rangers who did their usual permit checks who did their usual permit checks details our... Any trip the standard route on Mt your car at the top Hells! 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