Mt. Shuksan – The Journey to the Top

I’ve been asked what I had to do to capture images and quite often the answer, with a hint of sarcasm, was to “get out of the car.” Generally, that is true. But sometimes there is a bit more effort required. The trek up to the summit of Mt. Shuksan was one of those trips. Mt. Shuksan is a pyramid-shaped pinnacle in North Cascades National Park east of Mt. Baker in Northern Washington State. Even though the peak is a little over 9,100′ it is still above the tree line and surrounded by Sulphide Glacier.

The journey to the summit was a three-day event. The first day was to backpack approximately 5 miles into the base camp, a rocky exposed area near the base of the glacier. Day two was crossing the glacier and a 600′ rock climb to the summit. Day three was the hike back to the car.

A journey like this is not taken lightly. In addition to the inherent risks in backcountry travel, crossing the glacier and rock climbing to the summit mandate specific skills and equipment to do it safely. Having the right team is also important. We all need to keep an eye on each other, work together and make proper decisions including electing not to continue if the conditions are not suitable. It’s especially nice if we agree on the right trail to follow! 🙂

The hike to the basecamp was worth the price of admission alone. A beautiful hike through conifer forests, open meadows and crossing spectacular ridges.

Above the tree line, flowers and moss grow among the rocks and the basecamp is a welcome sight. The area is well established as a resting area for those seeking to summit. Despite the abundance of rocks, fortunately there are clearings just large enough for a small tent.

As the sun begins to set, the view from the basecamp comes alive. The colors change by the minute and the alpenglow is on full display. Mountains as far as the eye can see.

Glaciers are a story unto themselves. Crossing them can be dangerous but they are just plain cool! Gravity wants to make the glacier slide down the mountain, and very slowly it does cracking and twisting along the way.

The final climb to the summit, a 600′ rock climb is the icing on the cake. While the climb was not difficult, there were places where the “exposure” reminded me that I really don’t like heights…go figure, but most pilots feel that way! 🙂

Conditions were favorable and we reached the summit…the view was phenomenal!!

Downclimbing can be more dangerous so we elected to fix ropes and repel down the more sketchy areas. Knowing these journeys can be rare, it was also nice to capture a few more moments.

As a final memory, and you just have to chuckle. It was nice of the government to install some facilities on the mountain (down the hill from the tent). Apparently, they made the decision to go minimalist on this plan. Having said that, what the facility lacked in privacy more than made up in the view!! 🙂

An amazing journey! Grateful I got to tag along!!