Hey there, fellow mountain-curious beginners and alpine enthusiasts. I'm just a guy from Kansas who moved to Seattle for tech and fell in love with the mountain life. If you've ever wondered what it takes to go from sea level to summit, this video is for you.
I'll take you through my experiences on some iconic peaks, sharing what I've learned about gear, techniques, and the mental game of mountaineering:
Mount Baker (10,781 ft): An excellent place to learn glacier travel and crevasse rescue skills. The Roman Wall presents a challenging final push to the summit. From the top, you're treated to spectacular views of the North Cascades and even Vancouver Island on clear days. The mountain's glaciers are some of the most studied in North America, offering a firsthand look at climate change impacts. With its slight technical challenges (you rope up a bit to cross those crevasse risk areas), Baker is an excellent introduction to big mountain climbing in the Pacific Northwest.
Eldorado Peak (8,868 ft): One of the most exciting and beautiful summits I've experienced. The knife-edge snow ridge leading to the top is breathtaking - narrow, exposed, and exhilarating. It's not just a climb; it's a balance beam in the sky. The panoramic views of the North Cascades from this vantage point are unforgettable. Alexandra, as our guide, was excellent: mountainmadness.com/trips/eldorado-peak#overview
Mount St. Helens (8,363 ft): Climbing an active volcano offers unique challenges. We'll explore its geological history and the surreal landscape it created. The Mt St Helens Institute is the guardian of this mountain, and it offers excellent trips and helps fund educational programs. Bonus points if you can go with one of their geologists, the best kinds of nerds, but all the staff are kind, fun, and knowledgeable. Guides: mshinstitute.org
Mount Adams (12,281 ft): Windy, rocky, and beautiful, this stacked rock campsite was like being on the moon. It was there that I really felt the altitude. I'll share strategies for acclimatization and the joy of climbing on volcanic rock.
Mount Rainier (14,411 ft): My journey to Camp Muir (their sort of high base camp) was a game-changer. I'll walk you through the trek from Paradise to Muir and explain what I learned about high-altitude preparation. This is a great hike to see if the alpine life is for you. Please do a Camp Muir day hike (more challenging than it sounds) or Mount Baker before summiting Rainier. If you can't pass those, train until you can. I still suggest a guide if you're new to this, as it does have a few tricky things even in an otherwise simple route, and it's nice to have trained professionals. I've done Muir with REI a few times, but if you're going for the top, hit up the pros at RMI, etc. rmiguides.com/mt-rainier/4-day-summit-climb
Mount Shasta (14,179 ft): This solitary peak you can see even driving down I-5 from the highway beckoning you is unique; some say the Lemurians live there in this energy vortex. I didn't see them, but I did see some stacked rocks at camp. Guides: shastaguides.com
Mount Fuji (12,388 ft): More than just a climb, it's a cultural experience. I'll share insights on international climbing and respecting mountain traditions. Guides: explore-share.com (my certified guide Yusuke was excellent)
Throughout the video, I'll cover:
-Essential gear for mountain environments (what you need and don't) [backpacks, ice axe, crampons, food, water filter, hydration pack, etc.]
-Working with guides and building crucial mountaineering skills
-Common mistakes and how to avoid them
-Adapting to altitude when you're used to lower elevations
-How this journey has expanded my horizons, both literally and figuratively
I'm no expert, just someone who decided to challenge himself. I aim to show you that with proper preparation, respect for the mountains, and determination, these peaks are more accessible than you might think. Whether you're dreaming of your first summit or looking to improve your mountain skills, I hope this guide helps you take that next step. Remember, every great mountaineer started as a beginner.
Let's explore these mountains together. Who knows? Maybe your journey is just beginning.