Climbing North Cascades

Washington's Cascades are the most glaciated peaks in the Lower 48. But it's not just snowy climbs on volcanoes in the Cascades. These mountains also hold some of America's best alpine rock routes. Check out our many Cascades stories, and start planning a mini-expedition to the Pacific Northwest.
  • Mt. Stuart; Seattle, WA

    Mt. Stuart; Seattle, WA

    Mt. Stuart is one of the largest exposed chunks of granite in the Lower 48, rising more than 5,000 feet above the surrounding Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The North Ridge, one of the “Fifty Classic Climbs of North America,” is no secret to anyone, and for good reason—it has 15 pitches of often exposed climbing on solid rock along a knife-edge ridge, reaching the highest summit in the Enchantments.

  • Mt. Baker's classic North Ridge route

    Kings of the Cascades

    Beginning in northern California with Mt. Shasta and Lassen Peak, and extending north to Mt. Garibaldi in British Columbia, this chain of (mostly) extinct volcanoes makes up some of the most distinctive mountain topography anywhere.

  • Davis-Holland to Lovin’ Arms (5.10c), Index, Washington

    With a crux of well-protected 5.10 moves and a stunning position above the Central Cascades Skykomish Valley, this six-pitch line on Index's Upper Town Wall provides even the weekend warrior with an unforgettable dose of exposure.