Glacier Peak

Climb Glacier Peak With Alpine Ascents

Our 5-day Glacier Peak  (known locally as Dahkobed) climb is perfect for climbers that enjoy the journey as much at the destination. The 5-day itinerary allows us to move at a slower pace, provides time for additional instruction while making the ascent, and allows an extra day to summit in case of inclement weather. Originally named Dahkobed, Glacier Peak beckons mountaineers through old growth forests, resplendent high alpine meadows, and across several glaciers to the secluded summit in the heart of the rugged Glacier Peak Wilderness. Climbers can expect a long and incredibly scenic approach to an enjoyable and straightforward glacier climb that offers an excellent introduction to mountaineering.

Glacier Peak is a fantastic choice for climbers who appreciate the journey as well as the destination and seek a hefty dose of solitude with their rarefied alpine air.  This instructional course/summit climb teaches the basics of glacier mountaineering, including proper ice axe use and self-arrest skills, glacier travel, and basic rope techniques while aiming to summit a remote peak. With a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio, we offer personal and hands-on training with an experienced guide team. Successful completion of this program gives you the required skills for some of our more advanced expeditions.

Guide Ratio 3:1
Team size is 9 climbers with 3 guides. With one guide for every three climbers, you have more individualized instruction, great assistance on summit day, and overall success and risk management are increased. Our guides will be teachers and impart knowledge throughout the program.

Our climb includes round trip transportation between Seattle and the North Fork Sauk River Trailhead.

Our Glacier Peak climb with Alpine Ascents was outstanding. Our group really appreciated the 5 day trip. The arduous approach to Glacier included beautiful camps at White Pass and high camp, and the extra day gave our legs a little rejuvenation and made snow school very relaxed. Thanks again for an incredible experience.

This was my first climb with Alpine Ascents and I appreciated the organization and professionalism of the company and employees.

Tents Equipment & Meals

Provided: Transportation to and from the mountain; all group climbing equipment, including climbing ropes, technical hardware, and tents;  breakfasts and dinners on the mountain.
Not Provided: Personal equipment and lunches. You are responsible for all items on the Gear List.

2026 Charity Climb for Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network

Each year, Alpine Ascents donates a climb to a local charity, where 100% of the amounts paid by the climbers go directly to the organization.  The charity is selected through nomination and then a vote by our administrative team.

This year’s charity climb will be in support of Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network 

glacier peak

We’re proud to support the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN)—Washington State’s largest immigrant-led coalition, working to build a united front for immigrant and refugee justice.

WAISN was founded in 2016 by a coalition of immigrant and refugee-led organizations in response to growing anti-immigrant threats. Nearly a decade later, their powerful, volunteer-driven network continues to grow—mobilizing thousands across the state to defend immigrant rights and strengthen community resilience. Through programs like the WAISN Hotline, which connects thousands of people each year with legal aid, emergency assistance, and community resources, and the Fair Fight Bond Fund, which supports families facing deportation, WAISN ensures that Washington’s 1.2 million immigrants and 30,000 refugees have the support they need to thrive.

In 2025–2026, WAISN’s advocacy is focused on expanding access to healthcare for all immigrants and establishing a Wage Replacement Program for undocumented workers—ensuring that every member of our community has the opportunity to live with dignity, security, and health.

Join us for this charity climb and help advance immigrant and refugee rights while summiting one of Washington’s most beautiful peaks. Your participation directly supports WAISN’s mission to build collective power, protect families, and create a more just and inclusive Washington for all.  Learn more about WAISN at this link.

Climb Date:  July 17 – 21, 2026
Suggested Donation: $2,000.00 (standard cost for the climb)
Minimum Donation: $1,000.00

100% of proceeds from this climb will be donated to the charity!

Here are the other organizations we’ve supported in the past.

2025 Climb of Glacier Peak for The Sophia Way
2024 Climb of Glacier Peak for Big City Mountaineers
2023 Climb of Tahoma for Unkitawa
2022 Climb of Shuksan for the Ukrainian Association of Washington State
2021 Climb of Shuksan for Got Green
2020 Climb of Shuksan for Facing Homelessness
2019 Climb of Shuksan for Jubilee Women’s Center
2018 Climb of Shuksan for Girls on Ice
2017 Climb of  Shuksan for New Horizons
2016 Climb of Shuksan for SheJumps
2015 Climb of Eldorado for KEXP
2014 Climb of Eldorado for Roots

Reading List

This is a highly recommended shortlist and we would be happy to pass on a longer reading list for those interested. These links will bounce to Amazon.com with reviews.

Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills
Don Graydon (Ed.), Kurt Hanson (Ed.), Mountaineers Society, Mountaineers Books
Glacier Climbing & Crevasse Rescue
Ian Nicholson, Mountaineers Books

All three guides are very personable, and so different from each other! I learned different things from each, and was encouraged in vastly different ways by each.

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

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Partners & Accreditations

Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park.
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