Filled to the brim with outstanding climbing locations, the state of Washington is a one-stop destination for learning how to take on the complex and rocky alpine terrain on your own. One location which sticks out in this regard is Index, a small town where big climbing opportunities are thick on the ground. With thin and hard cracks on the top-tier granite cliffs on offer, you’ll be able to learn a whole host of valuable skills and techniques such as anchor building and evaluation, efficient multi-pitch transitions, crack climbing techniques, and many more! Once your guide shows you how to implement these techniques, it’s time to climb some multi-pitch objectives either in Snoqualmie Pass or Mountain Loop Highway. Learn how to manage scrambling and low fifth class terrain on routes varying from 5.4 to 5.8 in Snoqualmie Pass and 5.7 to 5.8+ on Mountain Loop Highway, and you’ll be able to tackle alpine rocky terrain head on!
Admire the stunning scenery of the Evergreen State all around you
Develop new skills on amazing routes to conquer rocky, alpine terrain
The best granite climbing in Washington and perhaps the world can be found in Index
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 traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Washington, please refer to the Washington State Coronavirus Response and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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 on this adventure:
What’s not included:
In order to participate in this course, you need to have a decent level of fitness and previous climbing experience. You’ll need to be able to take on various multi-pitch routes. Keep in mind that rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
To participate in this alpine rock climbing course in Washington, you must have experience sport leading and lead belaying. You should also be able to lead 5.8 sport routes outside. This course is great for those who already have the steep snow and glacier experience and want to expand on the skills needed for climbing peaks that involve rock in the Cascades. Alternatively, if you see yourself sticking to alpine routes that don’t involve steep snow or glaciers, this course is also for you. If you don’t meet these requirements, your guiding service can arrange a sport climbing course for you.
When it comes to technical climbing equipment, 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.
Note: If you do not have all of these items, your guiding service can work with you to find the best place to buy or rent it.
Group sizes and prices:
Climbing days in Washington can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A 20% deposit is required to reserve a participant’s spot upon booking. Full payment is due 30 days before the trip start date. If the trip is booked less than 30 days before the start date, then full payment is due at the time of booking.Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies:
Cancellation policy for private trips:
Cancellation policy for group trips
To get to Index, WA, most people fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport about an hour away by car. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
