In Washington Pass you’ll find the largest collection of easily accessible alpine rock climbs in the US. The solid and textured quality of the lofty granite spires is overshadowed only by the views you get once you’ve reached the summit—glaciated peaks encircle the expansive valleys covered in fragrant conifers. The best thing is, the routes’ grades in the area range from 5.4 to 5.12, meaning there is something for everyone: from easy multi-pitch scrambles to challenging big wall pitches and glacier climbs. Step up your rock climbing game together with an expert guide and learn what makes the Washington Pass one of the best places for rock climbing in Washington.
+100 Alpine rock climbing routes with easy access from Seattle
Solid and textured rock with lots of edges, facehold and cracks
Dramatic scenery with snowy peaks and huge tree-covered valleys
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Washington, please refer to Washington State’s Official COVID-19 Site.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure:
What’s not included:
Most of the trips are physically demanding, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness. Your trip will be more rewarding if you prepare for it in advance. Although rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength, alpine rock climbing does require a good level of fitness.
Climbers should have the ability to follow 5.5 – 5.11 rock depending on the itinerary, carry a light-weight pack and move steadily for 7-9 hours. There is a possibility of snow on the approach that may require ice axes and crampons, and exposed alpine rock. To ensure you have a fulfilling day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
For alpine climbing in Washington Pass, climbers should know how to safely belay a lead climber, have the ability to “clean” traditional gear, rappel and be comfortable following mid-fifth class rock. If you have topped a minimum of 5.5, there are routes you can successfully complete with the help of a guide.
For intermediate to advanced alpine rock climbers, Washington Pass has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes. The more complex routes span from 5.8 – 5.11. You will have to carry a light-weight pack and move steadily for 7-9 hours. There is possibility of snow and exposed alpine rock on the approach that may require ice axes and crampons.
If you’ve never climbed before, we recommend taking an introduction to climbing course or spending a day with a guide learning the basics prior to booking this adventure. Let us know and we can arrange a custom day out with a guide for you.
All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Rock climbing in Washington Pass can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Washington Pass, most people fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. From there you can rent a car. Travel east from Newhalem (Highway 20) for 44 miles until you reach the Washington Pass.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether it’s at their office or at the trailhead. Once you meet up and go over gear and safety considerations, it’s time to start your day of alpine climbing in Washington Pass.
With 57hours, you benefit from both our own cancellation policy as well as that of the individual guiding service that delivers your adventure. All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure, but rest assured that our own cancellation policy will work on top of what is provided by your guide.
For this adventure, 57hours offers a Strict Cancellation Policy, which states:
If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund.
For more information on terms and conditions, please visit our Terms of Service page.
