Glacier Peak is the most remote peak we climb in the Cascade Range. No road penetrates within eight miles of the mountain and many approach hikes are more than 10 miles long. The fall floods of 2003 destroyed many road and trail bridges in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, and many have not yet been rebuilt. At present, the Cool Glacier route, once considered long, has become the most accessible route.

Activity Notes

This is an Exploratory Climb. Here is a rough schedule so you can plan ahead:   Aug 16: Leave Portland earlyish, drive to TH; hike 5 miles to Macinaw Shelter and stay the night. Aug 17: Do the south facing climb early in the day.  Hike to Glacier Gap. Aug 18: Spend a second night at Glacier Gap. Aug 19 Hike to Mackinaw Shelter Aug 20: Hike out from Mackinaw Shelter. Drive home.
Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 270 miles
Driving Time from Portland 5 hours
General Route Info Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District Office 360-436-1155 Summitpost https://www.summitpost.org/white-chuck-gerdine-cool-glaciers/166764
Expected Duration Car to car in two or more days
Interesting Features Glacier(s)
Relevant Books Selected Climbs in the Cascades, Vol.II by Nelson and Potterfield Cascade Alpine Guide: Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass by Fred Beckey Summit Guide to the Cascade Volcanoes by Jeff Smoot
Relevant Maps Glacier Peak, USGS 7 minute series Green Trails, #112 (Glacier Peak) Google map https://goo.gl/maps/5Qj7vVNuanK2 Some nice GPS tracks and topo maps by Karl Helser: karl-helser.com
Awards Qualified 16 Major NW Peaks
Useful Links GPS Track New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows. GPS Coordinates New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows. Map New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows.
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