Glacier Peak is the only true wilderness volcano in the Cascade Range. Unlike the other volcanoes, Glacier Peak has no roads reaching its flanks, and access to its base from any direction involves a hike of several miles. The heavy snowfall of the North Cascades feeds a dozen glaciers which flow from its summit cone in all directions. The shortest climbing route follows the White Chuck River Trail for 5 miles and then ascends the moderate and fairly inactive Sitkum Glacier along the western flank. This route provides a rare opportunity for solitude on a moderate route on a volcano. It is also reputed to be a fine ski route in the spring and early summer (although with long access on dry trail by the time the road to the triailhead is driveable).
Click on any photo to go there, or start your tour with the first photo...
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| Starting Elevation: | 2300 ft (700 m) | Weather Conditions: | Clear; moderate winds | |||
| Summit Elevation: | 10541 ft (3213 m) | Temperature: | 40-80 F (5-25 C) | |||
| Roundtrip Distance: | 22 miles (35 km) | Visibility: | Over 100 miles (160 km) |
This was a private trip with a party of three (Bede Pittenger, Basil Pittenger, and myself).