Alpine Rock Climbing in Washington Pass

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:

• • A certified AMGA or IFMGA guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Two days of alpine rock climbing 
  • All technical climbing gear

What’s not included:

• • Transportation
  • Parking
  • Snacks and meals
  • Park permits for the North Cascades National Park
  • Guide gratuity — optional

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:

• • Helmet
  • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device and chalk bag
  • Ropes
  • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
  • Ice axe, steel crampons with anti-bot plates
  • Trekking poles

Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

• • Fleece or wool hat
  • Neck gaiter
  • Hardshell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
  • Lightweight wind shell
  • Down or synthetic jacket with hood
  • Long-sleeved base layer
  • Gloves
  • Long base layer pants (tights work well in the summer)
  • Hardshell pants
  • Softshell pants (wind-proof or wind-resistant)
  • Leg gaiters (ankle to mid calf height works best in summer)
  • Liner socks and wool socks
  • Mountaineering boots that work with crampons
  • Climbing shoes (available for rent)
  • Daypack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 20L backpack for a one day trip, 30-40L for multi-day trips)
  • Sunglasses or a visor hat
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
  • Food you can eat on-the-go
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, blister kit, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Camera — optional

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:

• • The standard client to guide ratio is 2:1 and cost is per person. Costs per person will decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with a friend or a family member!

Rock climbing in Washington Pass can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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.