Join Us on a 3 Day Sahale Peak Climb
At 8,680 feet, Sahale Peak offers astounding 360-views of the North Cascades. We take the Quien Sabe Glacier route under the jagged peaks surrounding Boston Basin. This route has less glacier travel than a climb of Mt. Baker, but the vertical gain and inclusion of a rock scramble to the summit and a rappel make this Sahale Peak climb more challenging overall.
From the trailhead we ascend the steep Boston Basin trail to an idyllic campsite situated above a creek and surrounded by wildflowers and meadows. We take some well deserved rest and enjoy the beautiful sunset. The following morning we cross rock and snow slabs to the Quien Sabe Glacier before roping-up. We then wind our way around crevasses until reaching the ridge crest, and follow this to a steep section of rock which is climbed to the Sahale Peak summit. We rappel back to the glacier and descend to camp. The following day we sleep-in before hiking back to the trailhead..Our professional guides will teach you the fundamentals of mountaineering on this three-day Sahale Peak climb. This trip is designed for experienced hikers and beginner mountaineers looking to advance their skills in the backcountry.
Skills Covered During the Sahale Peak Climb:
- Selection of personal gear and packing for a glacier climb
- Ice axe positioning and self-arrest techniques
- Crampon use and snow travel
- Climbing knots
- Roped glacier travel skills and rope management
- Basic wilderness safety, objective vs subjective hazard
- Snow camping, melting snow, preparing food and other cold weather camping skills
- Leave No Trace
Duration
3 DaysGEAR CHECK
RequiredPassport
Not Required for AmericansMinimum Age
13 years oldActivity
MountaineeringAccommodation
TentsPlease note: Gear checks are required and available the day before your trip start date. They are available weekly at Ascent Outdoors in Ballard from 6:30pm-8pm on Thursdays. If your trip does not start on a Friday we will schedule a custom gear check at Ascent Outdoors the day before your trip start date.
- Stoves
- Tents
- Group climbing equipment
- Guide services
- Pre-trip planning information
- Backpacking, mountaineering, and general outdoor safety skills
- Wilderness permits
- Discounted gear purchases and rentals
- Food
- Transportation
- Personal climbing equipment and clothing
- Travel and evacuation insurance
- Gratuities for guides
Please note: This is a tentative itinerary. The actual trip schedule may change due to weather, unsafe route conditions, or for other reasons beyond our control.
- Meet at a convenient Park & Ride in the Seattle Area. Set up carpools.
- Drive from Seattle to the Marblemount Ranger Station to pick-up permits. Then continue to the trailhead (3.5 hrs. total driving with a stop)
- Hike to base camp (5,600 feet) taking breaks to eat, hydrate, enjoy views, and take pictures. Approximate hiking time 3-4 hours.
- Set up camp with the help of your guides.
- Review lessons on snow travel skills.
- Wake-up just before sunrise
- Ascend the Quien Sabe Glacier
- Upon reaching the summit rock pinnacle we switch to pitched climbing
- Rappel from the summit back to the glacier
- Descend back to camp
- Expect a 12 hr. summit day
- Sleep-in after the big Sahale Peak summit day and enjoy a late breakfast
- Pack-up camp and descend to the trailhead
- Stop for a celebratory meal on the way back to Seattle is desired
