Climb The Fisher Chimneys on Mt. Shuksan
The Fisher Chimneys route (AD, 5.6, 50°, IV) on Mt. Shuksan is a classic technical mountaineering route with a variety of challenges spread out each day. It is a more committing and challenging route starting from the north side of the mountain. With technical terrain on each day, this route is a great introduction to more complex alpine climbing with steep snow pitches, crevasse navigation and moderate rock climbing in exposed terrain. Climbing the Fisher Chimneys is an awesome accomplishment for any budding alpinist is often viewed as a stepping stone for more challenging and bigger alpine climbing routes in the Greater Ranges.
Intermediate technical mountaineering with glacier travel and 5.6 rock climbing in boots
Previous glacier travel and steep snow climbing experience required
3 day itinerary is most common, though custom itineraries available
classic alpine climbing in the Cascades
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The hike to Lake Ann begins with a descent on a well maintained trail to where climbers continue their ascent on steep switchbacks to a weakness in a large cliff band. The Fisher Chimneys climbs mostly 4th class terrain through exposed gullies and short rock steps to reach a steep snow slope, Winnie's Slide, where we set up camp.
Distance: 5.75 miles
Elevation gain: 3,800 feet -
From camp we climb several steep snow slopes, including Winnie's Slide and Hell's Highway, contouring across the Upper Curtis Glacier to join the Sulphide Glacier. From the base of the summit pyramid we climb the South Ridge of Mt. Shuksan, defined by big exposure on a broad ridge overlooking nearby Kulshan.
Distance: 1.75 miles
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet -
A leisurely morning, we pack up camp and descend the Fisher Chimneys mostly via belayed down-climbing on the short rock steps. From just above Lake Ann we return to non-technical hiking terrain. This hike-out day may be combined with the summit day as a 2-day itinerary, though most climbers appreciate the more relaxed schedule.
