Glacier Peak

Again was told there’s pizza at the top. Otherwise beautiful park. Wonderful climb. Amazing views.

The most remote of the Washington big 5 volcanoes. Requires approximately 40 miles round trip, at least 30 of those with a full pack if you’re doing a multi day tour. This is easily the most beautiful Washington adventure I have done, but it is not for the faint of heart. It will test your limits. Crevasses are reported to be huge at this point in time on the glaciers. I would recommend waiting until next spring for a summit depending on your experience level.

The forest around Glacier Peak is one of the most stunning hike I've ever done especially around late September.

In all, we covered about 65 fairly gruelling miles, but the rugged beauty of the GPW made it worth the effort. The park is far too beautiful for me to do it any justice, so I'll skip trying to describe it. But I'll say this. When I set out at the start I had no idea what I was in for. I've gone on many backpacking trips over the years, but none qualify amongst the greatest experiences of my life as my trip to the Glacier Peak Wilderness does.

Glacier Peak is an epic climb. Did it summer of 1972 after a record snowfall the winter before. Camped on ridge leading up to the glacier. Next day practiced crevasse rescue by taking turns dropping into one about 50 feet down. Spent the night on summit, froze my butt off, the view was spectacular. Went down opposite side of the mountain towards White Pass. And this was only part of a two month adventure.

Traffic jams so tourists can stop their cars to photograph a chipmunk. Rangers we’re rude. Huckleberry jam was sold out. The KOA was nice tho.

I climbed that beautiful mountain summer 1971.gorgeous views, challenging going up the ice with spikes on my boots to get to the top. A favorite life experience.

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