Mt. Shuksan

Fisher Chimneys

The Fisher Chimneys is the classic advanced-level alpine climb in the North Cascades, rivaled only by Mt. Baker’s North Ridge. It is truly a quintessential Pacific Northwest adventure.

Climbing the Fisher Chimneys is no walk in the park and requires a well-tuned toolbox of alpine climbing techniques. This program is a perfect next step for climbers who enjoyed Mt. Hood’s Cooper Spur or have prior alpine climbing experience with Trillium Alpine Guides. Depending on the time of year, the route could involve a fun mix of snow, steep glacier ice, and rock scrambling. The truly memorable summit rewards climbers with stunning views of Kulshan and the surrounding peaks of the North Cascades.

Duration: 3 days

Max climber-to-guide ratio: 2:1

Prerequisites: Experience in alpine rock climbing on 4th and 5th-class terrain with a backpack and mountaineering boots, glacier travel experience, strong fitness required.

Rates

Gear List

Itinerary

Day 1: Approach and Climb the Fisher Chimneys

Goal: Approach through the forest and climb the Fisher Chimneys to camp at Winnie’s Slide.
Approx. Time: ~6 hours
Distance: ~6 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3,500 ft

  • Morning Meet-Up:

    • Meet your guides and team at the Wake N’ Bakery in Glacier, WA, at 9:00 AM for introductions, gear check, and trip briefing with coffee and pastries.

    • Drive to the Lake Ann TH

  • Approach:

    • Hike the Lake Ann Trail through scenic subalpine terrain to the base of the Fisher Chimneys.

    • Climb 4th and low-5th-class terrain to the top of the Fisher Chimneys.

    • Cross Winnie’s Slide and set up camp at 7,050’

  • At Camp:

    • Prep gear for summit climb.

    • Early dinner and rest—alpine start tomorrow.

Day 2: Climb to the Summit

Goal: Summit Mt. Shuksan and return to high camp.
Duration: ~6-8 hours
Round Trip Distance: ~2.80 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2,200 ft.

  • Alpine Start: ~4:00–5:00 AM

  • Ascent Route:

    • Cross the Upper Curtis Glacier, navigating crevasses and steep snow.

    • Ascend the steep Hell’s Highway snow ramp.

    • Continue across the Sulphide Glacier to the base of the Summit Pyramid.

    • Climb 4th and low-5th-class rock to reach the summit.

  • Summit:

    • Enjoy panoramic views of the North Cascades from one of the range's most iconic peaks.

    • Take photos, hydrate, and prepare for the descent.

  • Descent:

    • Downclimb and rappel as needed from the summit pyramid.

    • Reverse your route across the Sulphide, Hell’s Highway, and Upper Curtis Glacier to camp for a well-deserved meal and rest.

Day 3: Hike Out + Debrief

Goal: Pack up camp, descend Fisher Chimneys, and hike out to Lake Ann TH.
Duration: ~4-6 hours

  • Morning:

    • Early breakfast and camp breakdown.

    • Downclimb 4th and low-5th-class terrain through the Fisher Chimneys.

    • Hike back to the Lake Ann trailhead, enjoying views of Mt. Baker and the North Cascades.

    • Guides provide feedback, next-step recommendations, and photos.

    • Head home!

Sulphide Glacier

The Sulphide Glacier route offers a spectacular intermediate-level alpine adventure. The climb begins in a lush valley and ascends a ridge to reach the Sulphide Glacier, one of the largest glaciers on Mt. Shuksan. From the glacier, the route gradually leads up to the summit pyramid, where the real excitement begins.

To reach the summit, we will climb steep snow and moderate rock to gain a small perch at the top. The views from the summit are stunning: Mt. Baker to the west, a white-capped sea of Canadian peaks to the north, and on clear days, Mt. Rainier to the south.

This program is perfect for climbers who have enjoyed climbing a route on the South Side of Mt. Hood and are eager to expand their repertoire of alpine climbing skills to include glacier navigation and alpine rock climbing.

The Sulphide Glacier is also a perfect intermediate-level early-season ski mountaineering objective. It offers long, wide-open skiing on an impressive glacier.

Duration: 3 days

Max climber-to-guide ratio: 2:1

Prerequisites: Experience in alpine rock climbing on 4th and 5th-class terrain with a backpack and mountaineering boots, glacier travel experience, strong fitness required.

Rates

Gear List

Itinerary

Day 1: Approach

Goal: Approach through the forest to camp at the base of the Sulphide Glacier.
Approx. Time: ~4-6 hours
Distance: ~4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3,775 ft

  • Morning Meet-Up:

    • Meet your guides and team at the Wake N’ Bakery in Glacier, WA, at 9:00 AM for introductions, gear check, and trip briefing with coffee and pastries.

    • Drive to the Shannon Ridge TH

  • Approach:

    • Hike the Shannon Ridge Trail through scenic subalpine terrain to the base of the Sulphide Glacier.

    • Set up tents and camp at the base of the Sulphide Glacier

  • At Camp:

    • Prep gear for summit climb.

    • Early dinner and rest—alpine start tomorrow.

Day 2: Climb to the Summit

Goal: Summit Mt. Shuksan and return to camp.
Duration: ~8 hours
Round Trip Distance: ~4.70 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2,850 ft.

  • Alpine Start: ~4:00–5:00 AM

  • Ascent Route:

    • Cross the Sulphide Glacier to the base of the Summit Pyramid.

    • Climb 4th and low-5th-class rock to reach the summit.

  • Summit:

    • Enjoy panoramic views of the North Cascades from one of the range's most iconic peaks.

    • Take photos, hydrate, and prepare for the descent.

  • Descent:

    • Downclimb and rappel as needed from the summit pyramid.

    • Reverse your route across the Sulphide to camp for a well-deserved meal and rest.

Day 3: Hike Out + Debrief

Goal: Pack up camp and hike out to Shannon Ridge TH.
Duration: ~4 hours

  • Morning:

    • Early breakfast and camp breakdown.

    • Hike back to the Shannon Ridge TH, enjoying views of the North Cascades.

    • Guides provide feedback, next-step recommendations, and photos.

    • Head home!