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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
Contact the leader directly to inquire about signing up for this mountain run. Description: This climb is a mountain trail run to the summit of the beautiful and remote Glacier Peak in Washington. The round trip climb to the summit via the Cool Glacier route is approximately 36 miles and 9,000 feet of ascent/descent . The plan is to run the route car to car in approximately 12-14 hours. We will be as light and fast as possible while still carrying the necessary gear for moderate glacier travel and emergency overnight bivy. Glacier travel gear will most likely include an ultralight ice axe and universal crampons that fit on trail running shoes (not micro-spikes) at a minimum. The specific strategy will depend on conditions at the time of the climb. Physical Fitness Considerations: Anyone going on this run should have ultra running experience from approximately the 50 mile distance. This run is very remote and we will be traveling light so your systems should be dialed. Your physical fitness is a critical component of group safety. You will need to know how to manage yourself on an unsupported run of around 40 miles with significant elevation gain while dealing with the complexities of an alpine environment at altitude while wearing shorts and trail running shoes. Special Gear Considerations: Running poles, aluminum crampons, ultralight ice axe, alpine harness, ultralight helmet, emergency bivy, running gaiters, running pack, water filter, appropriate layers, food/water, 10 essentials. Find Activity Financial Aid Info here: https://mazamas.org/financialaid/| Other Information | |
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| 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 GPS Coordinates Map |
