Entries from North Cascades
The Glacier Peak Team led by RMI Guide Ben Luedtke reached the summit this morning a little after 8:00 am!
With what little reception they had, the guides were able to call the RMI office from the summit and share the fantastic news that the entire team had made it to the top. After several marmot encounters, multiple set-ups and take-downs of camp, and many hours spent honing their technical climbing skills, they can finally say all the hard work paid off.
Along the way, the team enjoyed all the beauty the North Cascades has to offer including dense forests, alpine lakes, valleys of wildflowers, and some incredible wildlife.
They are now back at camp celebrating their accomplishment, they will spend one more night on the mountain getting some well-deserved rest before they descend back to the trailhead for the conclusion of their trip tomorrow morning.
Posted by: Ben Luedtke
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Monday, July 21, 2025
Hiya everybody!
Welcome to Glacier Peak, follow along at your own risk. Today was day 1, but we kept it simple. The day consisted of wrapping up our travel, arriving in the small town of Darrington, WA and completing our gear check and orientation for the beginning of our grand adventure. For some of us, this will just be the next major volcano in WA, and for others, this will be our 5th and final WA volcano! Woot woot! Tonight, we pack, unpack, and pack again making sure we have all the essentials. Tomorrow, we start our hike to Camp 1 at White Pass. Hold on to your seats as we venture into the deep wilderness of WA to attempt our hand at one of the coolest volcanoes around.
RMI Guide Ben Luedtke and Team
Tuesday July 22nd, 2025
Camp at White Pass
Our first day on the trail and we hit the ground running. Just kidding; we walked delicately through beautiful, lush forest, over rough, rugged terrain, and pranced among the wildflowers. It's all true, but today was a hot, long, and difficult journey to reach camp at white pass. Donned with heavy packs and all the snacks, we enjoyed a less dusty trail than usual thanks to the peaceful rain from last night. After our long day of friendly conversation, Marmot sightings, the fresh smells of mountain air, and beautiful views of the surrounding area, we enjoyed our first camp dinner huddled around our stoves and were very happy that we packed our head nets for the bugs. As we crawl into our sleeping bags for some well-earned rest, we can't help but glimmer with excitement for what comes next. Tomorrow, we head for high camp and training for the big summit day. Stay tuned in case the marmots attack...or become our cuddle buddies in the night... they're hard to read.
RMI Guide Ben Luedtke and Team
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Layne Peters, Fitz Elder
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,786'
With a forecast of thunderstorms and heavy rain by afternoon, we set alarms for a 12am start. Under a starry sky and with perfect climbing conditions we made great time!
The weather started to come in just as we summited around 7am, but we snapped a few photos just as the clouds closed in.
Heavy rain on the tents last night was the perfect white noise for some solid rest.
RMI Guide Joe Hoch & Team!
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Hannah Blum
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
Monday, July 21, 2025 4:37pm PDT
100% summits on the Coleman-Deming route. We summitted just after 9am and got back to camp before the rain!
It's been a chill afternoon waiting out rain showers in the tent and intermittently napping.
We plan to descend in the morning.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier & Team
RMI Guide Jess Wedel and custom climbing team reached the summit of Glacier Peak yesterday evening just in time to watch the sunset from the top.
With the forecast for the next couple of days looking rather grim, the team took advantage of the good weather and made their summit bid on the second night of their trip, after a successful climb the team returned to camp in the early morning for some much needed sleep. They will spend today at Glacier Gap camp and descend to the trailhead for the conclusion of their trip tomorrow morning.
Nice work team!
On July 18th, the RMI team, led by guide Henry Coppolillo, successfully reached the summit of Forbidden Peak, completing the climb via the renowned West Ridge route.
The journey began with a picturesque trek through the North Cascades’ alpine meadows, immersing them in the region's rugged beauty. To prepare for the challenging summit push, they trained on the iconic Sharkfin Tower, sharpening their skills and refining their techniques. With an early alpine start on the 18th, the team navigated glaciers and rocky terrain to reach the top of this stunning peak.
Nice Work Climbers!
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Mitch Valaitis, Jack Ritterson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
On July 18th the Mt. Baker Easton Climb summited all climbers and guides on a sunny, windy morning around 9:30 am. We had been climbing with a forecast of possible rain in the afternoon, but the building clouds cleared for us at the top of the mountain for some great views.
Just as we returned to the tents around 2 pm, the sky opened up. Nowhere better than a dry tent after a summit to watch the rain pour down.
- RMI Guide Joe Hoch
Congratulations Climbers!
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Felipe Guarderas, Mitch Valaitis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,786'
The Mt. Baker North Ridge team, led by RMI Guide Sam Marjerison, reached the summit of Mt. Baker this morning. The team ascended via the North Ridge route, a classic climb in the North Cascades. Strong work by all, as everyone reached the top — a 100% success rate!
Congratulations, Team!
Congratulations to Kyle Zeitounian and the entire team om a great job,!
Posted by: Dee Zeitounian on 7/17/2025 at 12:33 pm
Posted by: Tom Skoog, Hannah Billings, Brooks Ordway-Smith
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
Friday, July 11, 2025 12:53pm PDT
After waiting for the weather to clear for a few hours, we completed our climbing school. With spirits high and a clearing trend in the forecast, we decided to go for a sunset climb. We were rewarded with stunning views of the north cascades and evening light over the Pacific Ocean. All climbers reached the summit climbing in great style. We arrived back at camp just before midnight and got in bed.
This morning we sipped coffee and enjoyed the views before breaking down camp and heading downhill.
RMI Guide Tom Skoog & Team
RMI Guide Lael Butler and a custom client team reached the summit of Mt. Baker via the North Ridge Route—a legendary alpine climb featuring steep ice, exposed ridgelines, and unforgettable views.
Despite some clouds and light winds, the team crushed a two-day push to the top, navigating multiple pitches of alpine ice and snow with skill and determination.
Huge congrats to the climber and guide for an epic ascent of one of the Northwest’s most iconic routes!
Jess, Thanks for putting up with all my complaining, and keeping me from throwing in the towel with 1000 feet to the summit. What an amazing sunset summit. Truely breathtaking. Best wishes on your next adventures!
Posted by: Brian Dury on 7/23/2025 at 10:08 am
Thanks for an amazing trip Jess!! I’ll never forget that sunset summit!
Posted by: jason tonn on 7/22/2025 at 7:26 pm
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