Glah-Sear Peak

Glacier Peak – The most isolated of the Cascade volcanoes and the 5^th highest peak in the 42^nd State. It stands 7,500’ feet above the surrounding Glacier Peak Wilderness, yet despite this, the peak is difficult to see from all populated areas in Washington. In a state named after our country’s founder, Glacier Peak is the central source of Earth’s most precious resource:  pure H2O saturated with ancient dissolved minerals.  It is ironic then that the mountain named for its large moving masses of frozen compacted snow has the fastest receding glaciers in WA.

We won’t be the first to ski from the summit but if the world ends on 12.21.2012, we will be the last!

Terrain Map with Markers

A: Start riding bikes here - 1,350'

B: Stow bikes here and start hiking - 2,100'

C: White Pass - 6,000' (possible camp here the first night)

D: Glacier Gap - 7,600'' (possible base camp for summit bid)

E: Summit - 10,541' (23 miles from our car and only halfway done)

Thursday 24th -  Depart Seattle after work and camp at trailhead (A).
Friday 25th - Bike to Trailhead #649, then hike/ski to first camp (C).
Saturday 26th - Traverse to Glacier Gap (D). Depending on weather, camp could be high on Glacier Peak.
Sunday 27th - Summit, then ski back to basecamp (D). Depending on weather, camp that night may be as far as White Pass.
Monday 28th - Hike out to bikes, ride back to car (A). Eat!

North Fork Sauk Trail #649: Trailhead at 2100 ft, 35 miles roundtrip to the summit via White Pass, with about 10,500’ total gain. Difficult creek crossing at Red Creek, washed out bridge.
Due to road washout at MP 0.8 on FR 49 at 1500 ft, add 12 miles and about 600 ft of gain, for a grand total of 47 miles and over 11000 ft of gain.