Glacier Peak

As Washington's most remote volcano, the Glacier Peak climbing route combines longer distances of non-technical trails on the lower mountain with technical terrain requiring mountaineering expertise on the upper mountain. Native Americans called Glacier Peak "Dakobed" or "Takobia."

Glacier Peak is typically accessed via the Pacific Crest Trail. Starting from the North Fork Sauk Trailhead, follow the trail up about 1000 feet in just over 5 miles to Mackinaw "shelter." Although named after a shelter, there is no longer any shelter here, just lots of space to set up a pleasant backcountry camp. Many backpackers choose to spend their first night here, where there is easy water access at the North Fork Sauk River and a pit toilet.

From Mackinaw, the trail ascends 3000 feet in about 3.5 miles to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. Take a right and continue for a relatively flat half mile to White Pass, which functions as a climbing base camp for some. White Pass camp has a pit toilet and water access nearby at streams. 

From here, climbers diverge from the Pacific Crest Trail to begin their ascent to the Glacier Peak summit. The climb to Glacier Peak is technical; climbers should be experienced in mountaineering, and have climbing gear.