Kate Keith-Simms

Kate Keith-Simms

Guide: Washington

Kate grew up in the New Mexican desert, enjoying skiing and hiking throughout her youth. At 18, she jetted off to Norway to partake in a month long NOLS backpacking and sea kayaking course which ignited her passion for work in the outdoors. Moving to Durango Colorado for a degree in Outdoor Education, she dove into a wide array of outdoor hobbies including canyoneering, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and alpine climbing. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, big days in the alpine have stolen her heart. She still finds time for non-outdoor hobbies such as painting, reading, yoga, and lizard-esque sunbathing by a good lake.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
Baldy Mountain, Taos NM

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
Practice meditation

What’s always in your snack bag?
Nerds Gummy Clusters (Berry Edition especially)

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
My pops 🙂

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Find your joy in mountaineering as a whole, not just for the summit

Significant Ascents

Mount Baker
Mount Shuksan
Glacier Peak
Cerro Eléctrico (El Chalten)
Aconcagua (Vacas Valley Route)

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified
Leave No Trace Trainer
AIARE 2

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

  • Grams, Gear, and Gastronomy

    Submission by Alpine Ascents Guide Max Lurie Let’s talk mountain cuisine and hydration, but more specifically cups, bowls, spoons, and other accoutrements. Climbers, mountaineers, and alpinists agonize over every gram of equipment, yet that meticulous planning often stops at the cook tent. Much like pasta shapes pair with specific sauces, changing our perception of flavor, […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 6/10/2026

    While the calendar technically says June, the Cascades have recently been reminding climbers that winter is not quite ready to let go. Over the past week, Mount Rainier received nearly two inches of precipitation at Paradise in 36hrs! Much of that precipitation falls as as snow at the higher elevations. Alpine Ascents guides reported significant new […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 6/3/2026

    The Cascades climbing season continues to move forward, with teams enjoying generally favorable weather and good climbing conditions throughout much of the state. Guides are beginning to observe the seasonal changes that come with warmer temperatures and longer days.  The current forecast suggests continued periods of stable weather intermixed with typical spring systems moving through […]

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