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

  • Training for Denali Webinar

    If Denali is on your horizon, it’s time to get serious about training. Join world-renowned alpinist, Uphill Athlete founder, and co-author of Training for the Uphill Athlete, Steve House for a deep dive into what it truly takes to prepare for North America’s highest peak. In this session, Steve breaks down the key principles behind […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 9/3/2026

    Hello climbers, It felt like the switch to fall happened in the mountains this week!  Cool temperatures and precipitation have returned to the mountains.  New snow returned to mid and upper elevations over the last couple days, and a handful of inches is expected over the next few days and leading into the weekend as […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 8/19/2026

    Hello climbers, Conditions continue to stay phenomenal around the mountains in Washington. Smoke forecasts look really good throughout the rest of the week and into weekend. We are starting to see some mid to late August weather patterns start to creep in, with blip of cooler temperatures and light precipitation working its way into the […]

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