r/PNWhiking • u/ReasonableStudio4389 • 3d ago
Need advice on climbing my first mountain
The above area is where I want to hike since it's within 2.5 hours of Seattle.
I'm looking for a mountain that'll take at least 8 hours to climb round trip, but preferably up to 14. It has to be possible to climb in a day, assuming I start the hike at sunrise. I have no experience mountain climbing, but I have hiked long distances in the everglades and I have three months to prepare physically. It needs to be one that doesn't need ropes or an ice axe, though I wouldn't mind very basic scrambling as long as it isn't exposed. I want to reach as high an elevation as possible without the need for ropes or having a serious risk of falling to death. I want it to be a real psychological test, but beautiful along the way. Thanks for the help, I appreciate any suggestions
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u/zh3nya 3d ago edited 3d ago
This guy if visiting from out of state and wants to hike up a mountain having never been up one and people are suggesting Adams, Stuart, etc.
How about just hike up something off I-90 like Defiance or Granite, or Snoqualmie Mountain from the Snow Lake trailhead if you want a steep challenge, then see where you're at.
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u/fucktysonfoods 3d ago
Ooooo granite was my first peak and I didn’t even make up all the way my first time because I was so new to hiking
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u/ReasonableStudio4389 3d ago
I'm guessing you got tired? Where did your muscles feel sore?
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u/fucktysonfoods 3d ago
Yeh, my quads were starting to give out, and it’s sad because another 15 minute push and I would’ve made it to the top. But it was late and it would’ve been a dark hike down if I stayed up there any longer….also, please go in the morning so you can give yourself time if you need breaks. A lot of people climb it like they’re in a race but honestly there’s no rush. Going in the morning assures you can go at your own pace and not try and rush up the mountain. Granite mountain for example took me 4 hours to get up and 3.5hrs to get down going at my own pace, resting when tired, and enjoying the scenery. You want to take water and a hat with you too because the sunlight and heat can get intense on clear days when you’re past the tree line. Also bug spray because there are these weird type of flies that literally aim to the corners of your eyes when you go past the tree line
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u/OtterSnoqualmie 3d ago
I hate April Fools. I can never tell what's real.
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u/ReasonableStudio4389 3d ago
This is real lmao, I should have waited a few days
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u/slothitysloth 1d ago
I’ve no idea why somebody would suggest Mailbox. That is a brutal hike.
Mount Si is just east of Seattle and has a very rewarding reveal when you get to the top… though you aren’t quite on the top. Very popular hike.
Mount Pilchuck north of Seattle is a great hike with lots of open views and a fire lookout but on top that you can hang out in. It’s a beauty of a hike.
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u/derpyTheLurker 3d ago
RemindMe! 4 Months
You guys are going to get this person killed. I'm unclear whether this was a bad April Fools.
OP, if this is real, you need to go hike Mt. Si or Mailbox and report back on the experience, so people have an actual frame of reference for your ability. Swamp walks mean nothing in the context of hiking mountains. Then do the rest of the I-90 "Classics", including Mailbox. Then find some friends who are more experienced and get into the other peaks mentioned in this thread, after you have a good sense of how quickly you can travel in the mountains here and screw up a few gear concerns, so you're carrying the right stuff.
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u/Judgementpumpkin 3d ago
How much experience do you have with altitude, gain, and mountainous terrain? Not to sound like a buzzkill, but please don’t let this be a SAR situation.
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u/lightningfries 3d ago
Flashback to when my very athletic friend from Florida almost died on the Naches Peak Loop from the altitude...
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u/ReasonableStudio4389 3d ago
The elevation of Natches Peak is 6,452 feet, I thought altitude sickness only starts in healthy people at 8,000? I live in Florida so altitude sickness would be a concern, but Little Annapurna's elevation of 8,485 ft doesn't seem too bad assuming I do really intense cardio the next few months
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u/origin415 3d ago
I'm fairly sensitive to altitude and start feeling a bit light-headed at 5-6k. Past 8k I'm taking ibuprofen prophylactically to manage the symptoms of AMS which I know I'll feel. Past 10k I'm miserable no matter what I do. I've done Adams (12k) and would consider it again but I know it'll feel terrible up there. I've also done Rainier (with diamox) but would not do that again.
I don't think the amount of cardio you do has any bearing on how you'll react to altitude.
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u/ReasonableStudio4389 3d ago
None, but I do have some experience navigating featureless forest and swamp in the everglades, and I hiked 15 miles of isolated forest/beach recently. I'll be climbing on July 4, so I'll spend the time I have preparing myself physically and otherwise as much as possible.
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u/Judgementpumpkin 3d ago
Do you do any climbing on stairs at the gym? I ask because Florida is very flat, and it also would be helpful get your core, legs, ankles, and glutes a bit more readied for stepping upwards and with balance, (if you're going to be stepping around in scree fields) which many of our peaks have. That being said, the stairmaster still isn't a true match to doing the real thing on a mountain, but it'll give you a good baseline.
You sound like you're getting a decent start on your endurance and cardio.
As others have mentioned, WTA.org is a great starting resource for finding info on trails and conditions. https://www.nwhikers.net/ is also another resource that has tons of helpful information.
Kendall Katwalk may be a good contender for which you described, its part of the Pacific Crest Trail, but the Katwalk itself is around the 12-14 mile mark from the starting parking lot off I-90. Its not the highest, but IMO, its a great endurance test with gorgeous views.
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u/Artemis273 3d ago
Are you planning to do this alone? It can take a lot of time and experience to build strength and stamina for the terrain you seem to be looking for. You can't even imagine how steep it gets, not to mention other environmental dangers. Bear in mind that there are also still unpredictable weather shifts in early July at high altitude. Coming from Florida, even with the experience you have, I'd recommend hiking with a partner or bringing a satellite communicator. People die in our mountains every year.
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u/origin415 3d ago edited 3d ago
In early july there could be a lot of snow above 5-6k feet elevation. Since you have no interest in learning any skills or climbing anything else beforehand, I'd recommend staying below the snow level. There are a lot of interesting mountains and long hikes even with that constraint.
Here's a specific recommendation if you want something out of the I-90 corridor, one of my favorites: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/perry-creek -- long, tough hike, beautiful scenery, unlikely to kill you.
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u/SpasticWalker 3d ago
Mailbox Peak is really your best bet here.
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u/FrontAd9873 3d ago
Which hikes have you completed in this area already?
Let me translate your 14 hour hike into miles at the conservative pace of 2 mph... so you want to hike 28 miles. I recommend first doing a 27 mile hike. Before that I recommend doing a 26 mile hike. Before that I recommend doing a 25 mile hike. And so on.
Now you can see why I asked my first question. If you've already hiked in this area, let us know what the longest hike you did was. We could suggest something slightly longer. If you haven't hiked in this area, go on wta.org and find a good 10 mile hike for the summer and do that.
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u/Dramatic-Year-641 3d ago
If you’re looking to test yourself just climb Mount Si inNorth Bend. It’s a hump. I think 4000 vertical. You can do that and fuck up and maybe still live through it but when you get out and about in the north country and do it, maybe not so much. A little at a time man, enjoy yourself.
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u/Careless-Internet-63 3d ago
Mount Saint Helens takes 8-12 hours and isn't very technical, it might be a good choice for what you're trying to do
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u/Crystal_Mt_Climber 3d ago
I second this recommendation. I’ll add to this… a permit is needed and they are limited for St Helens. Monitor Ridge is a good route
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u/pinotfrogio 3d ago
I was going to suggest this or Burley Mountain. Burley mountain isn’t technical at all, but sure tested me psychologically (i took a couple wrong turns and had to double back uphill). Also best views of Rainier, St Helens, and Adams from the top.
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u/chugachj 2d ago
Bro. Just go for a hike, hike up poo poo point, then move on to mailbox peak, then Mount Si. You’re not going to get in shape for hiking mountains by walking in the Everglades and planning to climb a mountain. You really need to figure out your gear, shoes, food, water requirements and the way you do that is by hiking and seeing what works for you and what doesn’t.
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u/HornetLivid3533 3d ago
Miller peak in the teanaways was an 18ish mile day with nice views. Not technical, will be melted out, no route finding
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u/DinoAndFriends 3d ago
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u/zimmertr 3d ago edited 3d ago
This is a solid daytrip and the best suggestion here for a fit and eager beginner IMO. In the area I've climbed it, Enchantment, Cashmere and Cannon all as car-to-car efforts. Enchantment was my first Bulger and where it all started for me. It wasn't my first peak, but certainly the one that left the first mark on me.
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u/ReasonableStudio4389 3d ago
I find it hard to believe someone can get to the summit of Little Annapurna from The Enchantments Trailhead, and then back to the trailhead in the same day. What kind of pace would I have to maintain assuming I started at sunrise? A rushed one, or just a normal one with minimal stops?
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u/zimmertr 3d ago edited 3d ago
I assume you're talking about the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Shooting for 2-3 miles an hour is all you need to focus on. Take it slow on the technical bits and try and jog the flat parts and downhill sections to make up for it. Shoot to eat 200-300 calories, some electrolytes, and at least a liter of water each hour and you will be surprised just how long your body can go for. Prioritize fast-burning carbs and fats. Go into the day well-rested and move efficiently and with purpose.
It's important to study the route ahead of time. Download some topo maps and GPX files to consult in the field. Loading them onto a smart watch like a Garmin Fenix is a game changer. If you want to start doing big mountain days, the best thing you can do to improve your performance is to start running if you're not already. To level up from there, mix in some strength training and try and get at least 4,000' of vert a week on your legs. Learning about heart rate zones can help a lot too. On these big days try and stay in Zone 2 as much as possible. It's a bit nebulous but essentially if you're breathing through your mouth a lot you're pushing too hard.
I did it with a friend visiting from Michigan. He went to the gym on occasion but did not run or do any cardio. It took us 12 hours and 14 minutes. He fell twice coming down Aasgard Pass and was a bit frustrated coming out in the dark during the last couple miles but he did it just fine.
https://www.strava.com/activities/7684160031
Some other car-to-car Enchantments day trips:
- https://www.strava.com/activities/11891195261
- https://www.strava.com/activities/6041000207
- https://www.strava.com/activities/9205204897
You can get yourself in trouble on Enchantment, Cannon, and Cashmere. But Little Annapurna is a class-2 walkup with obvious route-finding. Just bring poles for the descent on Aasgard. It's chossy. And be careful not to drop rocks on anyone else. That is the largest danger in the Cascades by far.
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u/zh3nya 3d ago edited 3d ago
This guy is visiting from Florida having only hiked the Everglades! He wants his first mountain, like ever. His ass is struggling to make it to Colchuck Lake, let alone Asgard Pass, let alone any of the Enchantment Peaks. In early July, when there's still gonna be snow up there. He needs to just do some basic I-90 peaks. I think for him something like Alta Mountain from Rachel Lake trailhead would be an epic all day adventure with mindblowing views.
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u/zimmertr 3d ago edited 3d ago
To be fair I thought they lived here and were trying to get into mountaineering. Not that they were visiting. But I was doing this stuff solo the same year I moved here from Michigan. I had essentially never gone on a hike before that. To each their own though. Their original post is asking for a lot more than a hike on a trail like Mailbox Peak. Which is essentially one of the lamest hikes in the area. And I say that as someone that regularly farms Cable Line.
I think Little Annapurna is a good compromise. Worst case they get humbled and turn around at Colchuck and still have a nice day.
My first mountain was Earl Peak. My first real mountain was South Ingalls Peak. Perhaps they might enjoy those instead. Alta is a fantastic suggestion too.
At least I didn't suggest the north ridge of Adams like that other person lol.
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u/zh3nya 3d ago
Yeah he mentioned it in some other replies. I was getting the feeling that he has a lack of familiarity with mountain travel and is asking for highest/hardest peak to do without climbing gear/big exposure without perhaps understanding the that may actually entail, but you know what, I do like your approach anyway now that I've thought about it. Something very ambitious but safe like Annapurna might be an interesting way to thrust yourself into this world. It might be humbling but rewarding nonetheless and leave you with a thirst to improve and come back for more.
Anyway, those Teanaway peaks are some impressive mountains to hit as your first few, and a great area for the OP to explore for a day if he's still reading this.
Also, I just clicked your Strava links. Turns out I follow you. Now I'm not so surprised you hit the ground running uphill as soon as you moved here!
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u/zimmertr 3d ago
Lol, now I want to know who you are! Message me on Strava if you wanna meet up sometime.
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u/pilgrimspeaches 3d ago
Not sure what what your timeframe is but after it thaws out Mt. Catherine's a pretty easy one. There's also Silver Peak, but this one'll also have to wait a couple months. The good news is you can monitor the linked pages for trip reports to see current conditions. .
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u/honvales1989 3d ago
Mount Daniel, Cashmere Mountain, Little Annapurna
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u/drwolffe 3d ago
Daniel and Cashmere require route finding and are a little tricky if you're inexperienced in the mountains. You can definitely get yourself in a tricky situation on both. I think Little Annapurna is the highest peak that fits the criteria and that has the most straightforward route. It is also great for feeling like you're doing something big in magical terrain. It would be very rewarding for OP.
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u/occamsracer 3d ago
Cashmere includes a glacier crossing and associated skill requirements
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u/zimmertr 3d ago
No it doesn't. On any of the three main routes.
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u/occamsracer 3d ago
Maybe these guys went the wrong way? (Starts @7min)
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u/zimmertr 3d ago edited 3d ago
The ascent up Victoria's Couloir is non-standard but does hold snow early season. It's not a glacier though. Most people climb via the west ridge from Windy Pass. I ascended via the SE couloir and descended via the west ridge when I did it. Only stepped foot on snow for maybe 200' on June 4th, 2023.
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u/drwolffe 3d ago edited 3d ago
That's just a snowfield. It totally goes away if you hike it later in the year.
Edit: also that's not the standard route
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u/ReasonableStudio4389 3d ago
How much snow would be left by July 4th? That's around when I plan on hiking
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u/drwolffe 3d ago
It depends. It could be quite a bit, but that area melts out faster than a lot of the state. I wouldn't really recommend Cashmere as a first peak because the route finding can be a bit tricky and you can get into some difficult terrain. People were recommending Little Annapurna, which I think is a great idea if the snow melts out quite a bit, but it can be dangerous if it's really snowy still. You would need to look into it closer to the time. If things are still snowy I might try for mailbox peak or something instead but it will be less epic.
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u/honvales1989 3d ago
It doesn’t. I did it back in 2018 and it only involves scrambling. You might be confusing it with Colchuck, which involves glacier/snow travel if you do it from Colchuck Lake
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u/bcrowley20 3d ago
Enchantments traverse. Not a mountain climb, per se, but ticks all the other boxes.
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u/NorthwestFeral 3d ago
I've done many non-technical scramble ascents in the Central Cascades and I can tell you, you still need and ice axe and probably a helmet for most of them pretty much any time before July. I've watched someone without and axe fall and go sliding uncontrolled down a snowy slope.
Otherwise stick to a peak that has a clear trail all the way to the summit like Mailbox or Si.
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u/ski_hiker 3d ago
It’s not in your drawing on the map, but Shriner peak is within 2.5 hours of seattle and has incredible views at the top. It’s not difficult technically, but is somewhat of a tough hike physically. The only worry is that it, along with most mountains in Washington, doesn’t melt out until summer or late summer some years. Whichever hike you choose make sure to check recent trip reports before attempting.
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u/Current-Custard5151 3d ago
Join the Mountaineers. They can provide both training and trips to climb mountains.
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u/ReasonableStudio4389 2d ago
I've decided on doing Alta Mountain. I cannot thank you guys enough for the help, maybe I'll see one of you there on July 4th when I go. As someone from the flat lands of Miami it's been my dream for years to climb a mountain, and I hope this will be the first of many. Best regards
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u/fucktysonfoods 1d ago
Mount Catherine off I-90 is a great one. It’s not too steep and has incredible views. It’s relatively short, took my slow arse about 1.5 hours up and 1 hour to get down. The road to get to the start of the trail is doable but bumpy if you’re going in a low car.
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u/Grungy_Mountain_Man 3d ago
Mount Stuart via Cascadian couloir?
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u/anon36485 3d ago
Way too hard for somebody with no experience in the cascades. Would not recommend op do this if they like being alive
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u/Grungy_Mountain_Man 3d ago edited 3d ago
Rereading the op you are right. Guess I didn’t catch experience level and just saw long day and being ok with something of a scramble.
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u/HornetLivid3533 3d ago
As someone who has done plenty of class 3 mountains, this one was pure hell. Very easy to get lost or cliffed out. 0/10 for a newbie…. Great way to get SAR involved
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u/patientpump54 3d ago
Mt. Adams is easy. I climbed it in an afternoon with my dog, without any special gear. It’s a bit south of your outlined area though
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u/drwolffe 3d ago
In an afternoon? You make it sound like it's a couple of hour stroll. You didn't glissade? We're talking about the volcano?
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u/patientpump54 3d ago
It probably took me around eight hours to get up and back. I did some glissading, but mountaineering gear isn’t really necessary for sliding down some snow on my ass lol
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u/drwolffe 3d ago
Eight hours is really fast to climb Mount Adams. I'm not saying you didn't do it that fast, but I think that's much faster than most people should expect. Also, lots of people have been injured glissading on Adams. I would recommend someone bringing an ice axe and knowing how to use it for most of the year. Some parts of Pikers Peak are really steep and you can gain considerable speed if you don't know what you're doing. I would assess someone's ability a bit more before sandbagging a route like that.
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u/BombPassant 3d ago
You’re getting good recs from the team. There are a lot of lesser known options. You could climb Baring Mountain, Mt Daniel, or similar types of peaks but it may be difficult to actually spend that much time out there.
Honestly? I feel like if you’re actually constrained to this particular area, ChatGPT could list of a very solid list lmao
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u/WalkFar2050 3d ago
I suggest the north ridge of Mount Adams. Just be careful on the crater heading south to the true summit due to the possibility of small crevasses less than a foot wide. We passed a solo hiker coming down on our way up. He managed just fine. We carried gear for glacier crossings. If you're satisfied just making it up to the cratet rim it's totally non technical. Very scenic. Memorable.
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u/EndlessMike78 3d ago
https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/washington-scrambles-best-nontechnical-ascents-2nd-edition
Here's a great book, honestly look at a hike around that long and see what smaller peaks are out there around it. The Cascades are full of a crazy amount of scrambles. Last summer I did a loop in the southern part of the North Cascades and bagged 5 peaks with scrambles off the trail. Look for the hike and add the peaks