Overview
Mount Shuksan is situated on the northwestern edge of the famed North Cascades National Park in Washington and is a mere 10 miles east of neighbor Mount Baker. The world record holder for annual snowfall – the Mount Baker Ski Area – is actually located on the flanks of Mount Shuksan. It is a massive and complex mountain and is often compared to the Weisshorn of the Swiss Alps. Its varied rock terrain, hanging glaciers, and complicated route finding making it an excellent objective for the beginning or advanced climber.
The Fisher Chimneys Route is a longer, more involved and advanced climb than the standard Sulphide Glacier route, and is a great introduction to intermediate level alpine climbing with reasonable technical difficulties. The ascent follows a scenic glacier-carved valley to a little lake overlooking a spectacular basin. The climb initially involves easy rock climbing in a series of chimneys, then climbs a fun and short section of alpine ice, and continues over moderate glaciated terrain on parts of three different glacier systems. All routes on Mount Shuksan culminate with the imposing 700 foot summit pyramid which is commonly climbed up a central snow and rock gully, or the more aesthetic 5.5 rock of the southeast ridge. Join us on our climb of the Fisher Chimneys and share in the beauty and grandeur of Mount Shuksan!