Glacier Peak Trip Reports

Glacier Peak Climbing Collection Overview

This collection documents the challenging multi-day expedition to summit Glacier Peak (10,520 ft), Washington's most isolated and remote Cascade volcano. The documents reveal a consensus that this climb is fundamentally different from typical weekend mountaineering—requiring 3-4 days of backpacking through diverse terrain including old-growth rainforests, alpine meadows, and glaciated approaches.

Key Characteristics:

• Remote Access: 33-mile round trip with 8,200 feet of elevation gain via North Fork Sauk Trail
• Multi-day Commitment: Requires camping at White Pass and Glacier Gap due to distance
• Technical Glacier Travel: Involves roped glacier travel on Cool Glacier and Suiattle Glacier with crevasse hazards
• Seasonal Window: Best climbed June-August when conditions are most favorable
• Physical Demands: Described as "strenuous" with heavy pack weights (32-42 lbs) over rocky, undulating terrain

The collection emphasizes Glacier Peak's unique position as the "forgotten" Cascade volcano, offering unparalleled wilderness solitude but demanding serious preparation, fitness, and multi-day expedition planning skills. Success requires careful attention to weather windows, glacier conditions, and logistical coordination.