We left Seattle around 7:00 a.m. and arrived at the trailhead at approximately 10:00 a.m. The hike to camp was long and strenuous, gaining roughly 5,000 feet of elevation. We reached camp around 5:30 p.m. and set up at approximately 6,700 feet. At the time, we hadn’t realized we were still well below Glacier Gap.
Despite the significant elevation gain, the hike was much more comfortable than my recent trip to Icy Peak because temperatures stayed around 65°F throughout the day. The cooler weather made a noticeable difference.
One thing that stood out was how many people were wearing trail running shoes. Personally, I think that’s a questionable choice for this route, especially when carrying a pack weighing close to 50 pounds. The additional foot and ankle support provided by hiking boots becomes much more valuable under that kind of load. One member of our group developed significant ankle pain during the approach, and while he was ultimately okay, I suspect the lack of supportive footwear contributed. Fortunately, it didn’t become a more serious issue, because organizing a rescue that far into the wilderness would have been extremely difficult. *Summit Day*
We left camp at 3:30 a.m. and reached the summit around 9:30 a.m. The climb was straightforward and largely uneventful. Glacier conditions were very benign, and glacier equipment wasn’t really necessary under the conditions we encountered. Anyone wanting to avoid the glacier altogether could also climb the ridge.
The final summit slope reminded me of the Old Chute route on Mount Hood. At the summit, winds were sustained with gusts around 25–30 mph, but visibility was outstanding. We had beautiful views across the North Cascades and could even make out Mount Adams in the distance.
We returned to camp around 12:30 p.m. *An Extra Day at Camp*
Originally, our plan had been to descend to White Pass after returning from the summit. However, Justin had been feeling under the weather and his ankles were becoming increasingly tender. After discussing our options as a group, we decided to stay another night at camp rather than push farther that day.
It turned out to be a relaxing afternoon. The views from camp were excellent, and while there wasn’t much to do besides enjoy the scenery, I was glad I had packed plenty of food because sitting around camp all day definitely increased everyone’s appetite.
My original tent location turned out to be less than ideal. I had unknowingly pitched it on top of a small bog, and after roughly 12 hours sitting on saturated ground, the floor of the tent began to seep moisture. Johannes helped me move the tent to a much better location beneath a nearby boulder. Coincidentally, a woman who had been solo climbing Glacier Peak had camped there the previous night, and she had picked an excellent dry campsite. It worked out well to relocate there. *Descent*
The following morning we packed up camp and hiked back to the trailhead without incident. During the descent from the summit back toward camp the previous day, I did have one minor mishap. I slipped and caught myself awkwardly, hyperextending the ring finger on my left hand. It was sore afterward, but hopefully a day of rest will be enough for it to recover.
After reaching the trailhead, we drove into Darrington and celebrated with excellent flautas at a local Mexican restaurant before heading back toward Seattle. Justin drove us safely back to the Green Lake Park & Ride, and fortunately we returned to find all of our vehicles exactly as we had left them.
To top off the weekend, I won our poker game that evening.
Overall, it was an outstanding Fourth of July weekend. The weather was nearly perfect, the climb went smoothly, the scenery was spectacular, and everyone made it home safely. I really couldn’t have asked for a better holiday weekend.
Despite the significant elevation gain, the hike was much more comfortable than my recent trip to Icy Peak because temperatures stayed around 65°F throughout the day. The cooler weather made a noticeable difference.
One thing that stood out was how many people were wearing trail running shoes. Personally, I think that’s a questionable choice for this route, especially when carrying a pack weighing close to 50 pounds. The additional foot and ankle support provided by hiking boots becomes much more valuable under that kind of load. One member of our group developed significant ankle pain during the approach, and while he was ultimately okay, I suspect the lack of supportive footwear contributed. Fortunately, it didn’t become a more serious issue, because organizing a rescue that far into the wilderness would have been extremely difficult. *Summit Day*
We left camp at 3:30 a.m. and reached the summit around 9:30 a.m. The climb was straightforward and largely uneventful. Glacier conditions were very benign, and glacier equipment wasn’t really necessary under the conditions we encountered. Anyone wanting to avoid the glacier altogether could also climb the ridge.
The final summit slope reminded me of the Old Chute route on Mount Hood. At the summit, winds were sustained with gusts around 25–30 mph, but visibility was outstanding. We had beautiful views across the North Cascades and could even make out Mount Adams in the distance.
We returned to camp around 12:30 p.m. *An Extra Day at Camp*
Originally, our plan had been to descend to White Pass after returning from the summit. However, Justin had been feeling under the weather and his ankles were becoming increasingly tender. After discussing our options as a group, we decided to stay another night at camp rather than push farther that day.
It turned out to be a relaxing afternoon. The views from camp were excellent, and while there wasn’t much to do besides enjoy the scenery, I was glad I had packed plenty of food because sitting around camp all day definitely increased everyone’s appetite.
My original tent location turned out to be less than ideal. I had unknowingly pitched it on top of a small bog, and after roughly 12 hours sitting on saturated ground, the floor of the tent began to seep moisture. Johannes helped me move the tent to a much better location beneath a nearby boulder. Coincidentally, a woman who had been solo climbing Glacier Peak had camped there the previous night, and she had picked an excellent dry campsite. It worked out well to relocate there. *Descent*
The following morning we packed up camp and hiked back to the trailhead without incident. During the descent from the summit back toward camp the previous day, I did have one minor mishap. I slipped and caught myself awkwardly, hyperextending the ring finger on my left hand. It was sore afterward, but hopefully a day of rest will be enough for it to recover.
After reaching the trailhead, we drove into Darrington and celebrated with excellent flautas at a local Mexican restaurant before heading back toward Seattle. Justin drove us safely back to the Green Lake Park & Ride, and fortunately we returned to find all of our vehicles exactly as we had left them.
To top off the weekend, I won our poker game that evening.
Overall, it was an outstanding Fourth of July weekend. The weather was nearly perfect, the climb went smoothly, the scenery was spectacular, and everyone made it home safely. I really couldn’t have asked for a better holiday weekend.
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