Josh McDowell

Josh was only six years old when he started climbing with his father. Growing up in Washington State, he spent nearly every weekend exploring and climbing in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. After high school, he attended Whitworth University, where he earned two degrees in Education and History, all while competing on the varsity swim team. Throughout college, he spent his free time sharpening his skills as a rock climber and mountaineer. After climbing Mt. Rainier for the first time, he realized that guiding would be the perfect way to combine his love of teaching and climbing.  Josh has been guiding professionally since 2010, and has traveled all over the world sharing his love of the mountains with others. When not guiding, Josh works as a career Firefighter/EMT, and enjoys spending time with his rambunctious labradoodle.  

Climbing Resumé

• 2 Expeditions to Mt. Everest (29,035’), Nepal
• 1 Expedition to Cho Oyu (26,906’), Tibet
• 8 Expeditions to Aconcagua (22,840’), Argentina
• 1 Expedition to Ama Dablam (22,494’), Nepal
• 1 Expedition to Denali (20,320’), Alaska
• 2 Expeditions to Loboche Peak (20,075’), Nepal
• 1 Expedition to Ecuador Volcanoes (Cayambe – 18,996’) (Illiniza Sur – 17,203’), Ecuador
• 7 Expeditions to Mexico Volcanoes (Orizaba – 18,880’) (Ixta – 17,388’), Mexico
• 2 Expeditions to Mt. Bona (16,421’), Alaska 
• 1 Expedition to Mt. Vinson (16,067’), Antarctica
• 100 + Summits of Mt. Rainier (14,410’), Washington 
• Many ascents and ski descents of other northwest peaks
• Rock climbing throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and Thailand

Certifications

• Emergency Medical Technician
• AIARE Avalanche Level II
• Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor