Morgan McGonagle

Morgan McGonagle

Guide: Washington, Alaska

Morgan grew up in Denver, Colorado and spent most of her childhood hiking, biking and skiing in the Rocky Mountains. She continued her mountain pursuits in the hills of New Hampshire and Vermont when she completed her BE in Mechanical Engineering at Dartmouth College, where she also competed in Division I rugby. She moved to Washington in 2019 and since has fallen in love with the jagged North Cascade peaks and lush green PNW forests. In the winter, Morgan ski patrols at Crystal Mountain in Washington and teaches avalanche education courses. While Morgan loves peaking mountains and skiing technical lines, she is particularly passionate about the accessibility and inclusion of avalanche education and winter backcountry sports. When she isn’t trekking many miles to find the tiniest bit of snow in the cascades, Morgan spends her time singing in a band with fellow patrollers, taking photos of her friends, dancing, sewing 5-panel hats, baking sourdough bagels and jumping into cold bodies of water.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
Mount Moosilauke!

What’s always in your snack bag?
maple syrup

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
knitting and sewing hats for me and my friends

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week
my mom, she is very funny

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Get out and climb some stuff whenever you possibly can! Go climbing with people who have more experience than you and pepper them with questions. Eat up as much knowledge as you can from them!

Significant Ascents

Taquoma (Mt. Rainier) – DC, Ingraham, Emmons, Fuhrer Finger ski descent
Kulshan (Mt. Baker) – Easton, Squak, Coleman-Deming, North Ridge, Park Headwall & North Ridge ski descents
Klickitat (Mt. Adams) – Southwest Chutes ski descent
Dakobed (Glacier Peak)
Forbidden and Isolation Traverses, Eldorado Peak – 4-day ski traverse and ski descent
Spearhead Traverse – 3-day ski traverse
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Denali West Buttress

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified
OEC (Outdoor Emergency Care, National Ski Patrol)
AIARE Pro 1 and Pro 2
AIARE I/ II/ Rescue Course
AIARE Instructor Training Course
AMGA Ski Guide Course
AMGA Alpine Guide Course
LNT Trainer

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

  • Cascades Conditions Report 6/25/2025

    Hello climbers, Summer is officially in full swing in the Cascades, and conditions have remained stellar throughout the region. We’ve seen consistent summit success across Washington—from Mount Baker to Rainier and beyond—and guides are reporting some of the best early-season conditions in years. In Alaska, we still have one Denali team remaining on the mountain. […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 6/17/2025

    Hello climbers, We’ve had an incredible stretch of weather in the Cascades over the past 10 days, allowing teams to summit peaks across the region. In the far north, we’re thrilled to report that three of our expeditions have reached the summit of Denali— huge congratulations to all climbers! Two more teams remain on the […]

  • Vinson Webinar

    Summer is in full swing, but it’s never too early to start planning (and getting stoked) for a winter expedition. Mount Vinson—highest peak on the frozen continent and one of the famed Seven Summits—is a remote, high-altitude challenge like no other. With over 15 years of 100% team summit success, Alpine Ascents is proud to […]

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