The North Face of Mount Shuksan is one of the premier steep snow and ice climbs in the Cascades, offering sustained, aesthetic lines on an iconic alpine peak. Often requiring two tools and solid front-pointing technique, the route climbs 6 to 8 pitches of 50–60° snow and alpine ice, with the occasional steeper step, all in an incredibly exposed setting. Its combination of technical climbing, position, and scenery make it one of the great north faces of the range—an unforgettable adventure for experienced alpinists looking for a classic line in a dramatic environment.

  • Dates: Custom, call or email for availability
  • Duration: 3-days
  • Level:  Intermediate – Advanced
  • Client Ratio: 2:1
  • Difficulty: II+ 5.0 Steep snow and ice
  • Cost:
  • 1:1 $1,800 per person
  • 2:1 $1,200 per person
  • Included: Park fees, group climbing equipment, and guide services.
  • Not Included: Ground transportation airfare, transportation within Seattle, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, meals while on the mountain, and all personal items

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Day 1 – Approach via Lake Ann Trail to High Camp
4,000’↑, ~5 miles, 6–8 hours

Depart from the Lake Ann Trailhead (~4,700 feet) and follow the scenic trail through subalpine forest and across talus fields toward Lake Ann. From there, continue past the lake and begin the climber’s trail up the Fisher Chimneys—a mix of 3rd and 4th class scrambling, short snowfields, and several fixed handlines. The route climbs steeply through the chimneys before topping out onto the White Salmon Glacier. Camp is made just above the chimneys below Winnie’s Slide at around 7,300 feet, with dramatic views of Mount Baker, the Hanging Glacier, and the north side of Shuksan.

Day 2 – North Face Climb and Return to Camp
2,400’↑ 2,400’↓, ~4–5 miles round-trip, 10–12 hours

Begin the day with an early descent of the upper White Salmon Glacier to the base of the North Face of Mount Shuksan, a beautiful and imposing alpine wall. The route ascends 6–8 pitches of steep, sustained snow and ice (up to 50–60°), often requiring two tools, with exposure and incredible position throughout. After topping out on the face, continue up the summit pyramid via the standard scrambling route to the top at 9,127 feet. After soaking in the 360° views, descend carefully via the Sulphide and return to high camp via a rising traverse back across the glacier and up Winnie’s Slide.

Day 3 – Descent via Fisher Chimneys to Trailhead
4,000’↓, ~5 miles, 4–6 hours

Break camp and reverse your route back through the Fisher Chimneys. Rappel or downclimb the steeper sections and return past Lake Ann, finishing with a scenic and satisfying descent through alpine terrain and forest back to the trailhead. Expect a long and engaging descent that caps off an unforgettable alpine adventure.

MULTI-DAY ALPINE CLIMBING EQUIPMENT LIST

Our recommended clothing system has four layers.

  • Base layer: manages moisture and wicks perspiration away from your skin. (synthetic or merino wool)
  • Softshell: should be a durable, comfortable, insulating and wind/water resistant layer that breathes well.
  • Hard shell: windproof, waterproof and breathable.  (e.g. Gore-Tex, or similar)
  • Insulating layer: should be down-fill or synthetic-fill and fit over all layers. (e.g. down, primaloft or polarguard)

These four layers are usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder bring one extra medium-layer that would be ideal for extra warmth around camp, such as a vest. When deciding what to pack, remember to bring enough clothes and accessories to ensure your safety and comfort, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably won’t use.

Climbing Gear

  • Adjustable Trekking Poles
  • Alpine Climbing boots Full shank crampon compatible leather, synthetic, or hybrid boot depending on climb and season.Single-weight synthetic/leather mountaineering boots are adequate for mid and late-summer climbs on Mount Baker and in the North Cascades when conditions are expected to be dry.
  • Rock shoes
  • Alpine climbing harness  Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing and can be put on with ski boots
  • Ice Axe – Lightweight (50–70 cm)
  • Crampons with anti-ball plate  Must be fit to boots prior to trip,
  • Climbing helmet  Adjustable, should fit with hat on
  • Belay Device
  • 4 locking carabiners –  2 Large, pear-shaped carabiner is best, screw gate type recommended and 2 smaller locking screwgate
  • 4 regular carabiners (e.g. small wire gate are recommended)
  • 1 double length sling
  • 1 single length sling
  • 1 Cordelette 6 mil 18-20’(6-7 meters)
  • 1 12” Prussik or Hollow Block*
Upper Body
Lower Body

Sleeping Gear

  • Sleeping bag Rated to at least 20º F. Line the stuff sack w/ plastic bag.
  • Sleeping pad 1 closed cell foam and/or Neo-Air for extra warmth and comfort.

Backpack

  • Internal frame pack 3500-4500 cubic inch capacity able to carry snowboard/skis

Miscellaneous Equipment

  • Sunglasses 100% UV protection with side shields or wrap around.
  • Personal first aid repair kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, and batteries etc.
  • Lip balm At least SPF 20
  • Sunscreen At least SPF 40
  • Headlamp lightweight LED
  • 2 water bottles 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene and 1 bottle holster, or
  • Hydration bladder With drinking tube and 1 Nalgene bottle
  • Bowl and spoon Plastic, small Tupperware works well. Lexan spoons are best.
  • Toiletry kit Be sure to include WAG Bag or toilet paper stored in a plastic bag.
  • Bandana
  • Hand wipes
  • Favorite snack foods (no more than 2 pounds)

WHO WILL MY GUIDE (OR GUIDES) BE?

We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with the AMGA in the rock, alpine, and ski disciplines. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?

Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $20-30 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.

CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?

No, for these trips we strongly suggest to buy your equipment due to obscenely large rental costs for trip of this length.

HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?

Your pack will weigh between 30-35 pounds.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?

For Scheduled Domestic Courses and Climbs: Your balance is due 60 days from trip departure. Payable by check, Credit Card with service charge or Venmo.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP? 

If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:

90 to 31 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost

30 days or less – 100% of trip cost

WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP? 

In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress, we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.