The Ptarmigan Traverse With Alpine Ascents
Our seven-day Ptarmigan Traverse is a true Pacific Northwest classic—an immersive alpine journey across the spine of the North Cascades. Winding from Cascade Pass to Dome Peak, the route links glacier basins, high ridgelines, and remote valleys in one of the most wild and spectacular regions in Washington.
First completed in 1938 by members of the Ptarmigan Climbing Club, this historic route helped define the modern era of Northwest mountaineering. Today, it remains one of the most scenic and committing traverses in the country, offering a rare opportunity to move for days through pristine wilderness.
Each day brings new alpine terrain and unforgettable views—crystalline lakes, cascading icefalls, and the distant spires of the North Cascades. Midway through the traverse, we allocate a full day to climb Dome Peak, the crown jewel of this route. Rising like a granite cathedral above the Chickamin and Dome Glaciers, Dome is a massive, glacier-carved summit that forms the centerpiece of the range north of Glacier Peak. Its twin summits and sweeping icefields offer a classic North Cascades experience—challenging, aesthetic, and deeply rewarding. Depending on team goals and conditions, additional ascents such as Magic, LeConte, Sentinel, or Old Guard may also be possible.
The Ptarmigan Traverse is ideal for climbers seeking a blend of technical mountaineering and extended backcountry travel. Participants will refine glacier travel and route-finding skills while developing the endurance, teamwork, and decision-making that define multi-day expeditions. With a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio, Alpine Ascents provides expert instruction and the support needed to navigate this remote and beautiful landscape.
Challenging, historic, and profoundly scenic, the Ptarmigan Traverse captures the essence of wilderness adventure in the North Cascades—an unforgettable week spent traveling through the very heart of the range.
Guide Ratio 3:1
Team size is 9 climbers with 3 guides. With one guide for every three climbers, you have more individualized instruction 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 two trailheads: the Cascade Pass Trailhead (near Marblemount) and the Downey Creek Trailhead along the Suiattle River Road..
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.
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
The expedition was awesome. Everything from arrival and transport to/from the expedition to the expedition itself was very efficient and clear. Everything considered, the price of the program was a bargain given everything it included.
