Do I need previous climbing experience for these trips?

While beginner-friendly routes like Eldorado Peak’s East Ridge are accessible to new glacier climbers, basic fitness and willingness to learn technical glacier skills are required.

What is included in the trip price?

All group climbing equipment, backcountry permits, park entrance fees, camping gear, and certified guiding are included.

How difficult are the routes?

Routes range from moderate climbs ideal for developing glacier travel skills, to demanding traverses requiring experience with exposed ridges and complicated terrain.

When is the best time to book?

Bookings should be made at least six months in advance to secure specific routes and permits due to limited availability.

Are multi-day camping skills required?

Guides provide instruction and support for camping and cooking, but participants should be comfortable with basic backcountry camping setups.

What types of wildlife might I see?

You may encounter marmots, mountain goats, and various birds adapted to high alpine environments.

North Cascades Climbs with Colorado Climbing Company

The North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, presents one of the most pristine and rugged alpine landscapes in the lower 48. Characterized by jagged granite peaks, vast glaciers, and deep alpine valleys, this area draws climbers eager to test their skills on glaciated terrain less affected by altitude than the Rockies. The Colorado Climbing Company brings its expert guides and well-honed teaching approach from Colorado Springs to this Pacific Northwest climbing haven, offering multi-day climbs tailored for a range of abilities.

Their signature North Cascades National Park Classic Climbs package is an immersive mountain experience with routes like Eldorado Peak's East Ridge, an accessible introduction to glacier climbing, and the far more demanding Torment-Forbidden Traverse, which navigates exposed ridge lines and technical glacier crossings. Along the way, climbers encounter unique geological formations, including granitic spires shaped by millennia of glacial sculpting and fragile alpine flora adapted to short growing seasons. Sahale Peak and Mt. Triumph rounds out the itinerary with challenging approaches that combine backpacking with steep ridge climbs, rewarding adventurers with sweeping views over the Boston Basin and rugged Picket Range.

Colorado Climbing Company provides all group gear, certified instruction on glacier travel and crevasse rescue, and handles backcountry permits, relieving logistical burdens so climbers can focus on the objective. The less crowded routes here make this experience stand out from popular national parks, delivering solitude amid dramatic peaks.

This program not only tests physical fitness and technical skill but also builds foundational mountaineering knowledge, making it ideal for those seeking career or personal progression in alpine climbing. With expert guides versed in both Rockies and Cascades terrain, clients benefit from safety-focused instruction in an awe-inspiring setting shaped by ice and stone.

Whether stepping onto the glacier for the first time or tackling complex traverses, these climbs offer a genuine Northwest alpine adventure through one of America’s wildest landscapes.