7-day Ptarmigan Traverse in the North Cascades, Washington State
Join E-S Adventure Guides North America for a fun, scenic and informative 7-day mountaineering experience along the Ptarmigan Traverse. Running from Cascade Pass to Dome Peak, enjoy incredible views and amazing climbs every day.
Private
Cascade Range
7 Days
Jul, Aug
High
Beginner
Highlights
- Enjoy the sublime scenery of the Northern Cascade Range.
- Summit at least three different mountains over the course of the week.
- Learn plenty of necessary mountaineering and backcountry camping skills.
Description
Named after the route taken by the Ptarmigan Climbing Club in 1938, the Ptarmigan Traverse takes us through some of the most pristine and remote scenery in the Cascades.
It is also the perfect traverse for advanced-beginner mountaineers, as there are various types of climbing to do, but none of it is too technically challenging. The entirety of the traverse is characterized by the rugged terrain and stark beauty of this untamed Washington wilderness.
Over the course of one incredible week, we will climb glaciers in a rope team, ascend through ice and snow with crampons and ice axes, assess various hazards and learn about leave no trace camping.
Expect to see plenty of incredible natural beauty as we go too. We will be trekking past turquoise-blue mountain lakes, ancient old-growth forests, imposing mountains and stunning glaciers.
Along with traversing several glaciers and crossing a number of mountain passes, we will summit Le Conte, Sentinel and Dome Peak over the course of the week. From the summit of each, we will enjoy great views out over some of the most iconic peaks in the Northern Cascade Range.
For a complete itinerary of the trip, see below.
So what are you waiting for? Book now for this unforgettable 7-day mountaineering experience along the Ptarmigan Traverse in wonderful Washington State!
If you like the look of this trip then we think you will also enjoy our 2-day ascent of Ruth Mountain, which is also perfect for beginner mountaineers!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
Price details
- Included:
- Guide services
- Ground transportation; including all shuttles during the trip
- All meals while on the mountain
- Tents
- Group climbing equipment
- Not included:
- Airfare
- Transportation within Seattle
- Hotel accommodations
- Restaurant meals
- All personal equipment
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- Guide gratuities
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1
Park at Cascade Pass and start hiking toward Cascade Pass. We will travel to Cascade Pass at 5400 feet and continue up and over Cache Col and camp at Kool Aid Lake.
Day 2: Day 2
Begin the day climbing up the Red Ledges and dropping down on the Middle Cascade Glacier. Climb up the glacier to the Spider-Formidable Col en route to Yang Yang Lakes for the evening.
Day 3: Day 3
Tour up the Le Conte Glacier and climb Le Conte and Sentinel. After summiting, hike down Lizard Pass and camp at White Rocks Lake.
Day 4: Day 4
Climb up the Dana Glacier and descend south onto Itswoot Ridge and camp with view of Glacier Peak.
Day 5: Day 5
Today is reserved to climb Dome Peak, return to camp and enjoy the views.
Day 6: Day 6
Hike out via Bachelor and Downey creeks to the Suiattle River Road and savor our accomplishments.
Day 7: Day 7
Reserved for bad weather or more summit opportunities.
Equipment you will need to bring
Crampons
Ice axe
Harness
Water bottle
Backpack
Helmet
Sunglasses
Belay device
Rope
About the guide
E-S Adventure Guides
4.6
(37)
Mountain Guide
One of our certified guides will take you skiing and climbing to some of the best spots in North America. In the USA we offer trips in California, Colorado, Maine, Alaska, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, Montana, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Vermont. And in Canada, you'll find tours in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.
Languages
English
What people are saying about E-S Adventure Guides
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Andrée
David
Great guides and great snow!
Peggy
Will was great wise and fun to spend the day with.
douglas
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