A guide climbing high on the West Ridge of Forbidden Peak. Photo: Zeb Blais
North Cascades Alpine Climbing
The North Cascades is one of the most magical places to climb in the contiguous United States. Jagged peaks with excellent rock quality meet wild glaciers and stunning views. The climbing is varied and engages all skills in an alpinists quiver making it exciting, dynamic and challenging. Options abound to meet any level of alpine climber, from budding mountaineer to seasoned alpinist.
This post details:
- Guided Climbing Dates in the North Cascades National Park
- The process for getting permits to camp for various climbs in the North Cascades National Park
2024 North Cascades Climbing Dates
Mt Shuksan
- June 26-28, 2024
- July 12-14, 2024
- August 2-4, 2024
- August 12-15, 2024
- August 23-25, 2024
- August 31-September 2, 2024
- Private dates available as well
- August 12-15, 2024
- Private dates available as well
Boston Basin
Forbidden Peak West Ridge
- August 15-18, 2024
- Private dates available as well
Forbidden Peak North Ridge
- August 15-18, 2024
- Private dates available as well
North Cascades Backcountry Permits
Permits are required to camp.
The North Cascades National Park requires Backcountry Permits to camp overnight in the park. This means if you're attempting a climbing or ski objective that takes longer than a day, you'll have to get a permit to camp in the zone that you're climbing in.
Permits are limited.
The Park limits the number of campers at any given camping area by limiting the number of permits they issue for each area. A portion of these wilderness permits are available early when the Park opens reservations on Recreation.gov and remain open until the quota for each area has filled. Beyond the reserved spots, the park reserves a smaller number of walk-in permits which are available 24 hours prior to entry to the park in person at the closest ranger station.
Reservations for camping in popular areas fill quickly, leaving only walk-in permits available for many climbers who were unable to secure a backcountry reservation. Zones like Boston Basin that access popular climbs like Forbidden Peak's West Ridge, Sahale Peak, the Torment-Forbidden Traverse and more, fill quickly and can be difficult to reserve, meaning the only option is a walk in permit.
North Cascades Permits Zones
Zones for Backcountry Reservations in the North Cascades National Park.
High Use Cross Country Zones
- Price Cross Country Zone I
- Mt Shuksan Fisher Chimneys
- Mt Shuksan North Face
- Mt Shuksan Price Glacier
- Sulphide Glacier Cross Country Zone I
- Tapto Lakes Cross Country Zone II - (Closed due to fire damage)
- Triumph Cross Country Zone II
- Boston Basin Cross Country Zone I
- Eldorado Cross Country Zone I
- Eldorado Peak East Ridge
- Hidden Lake Cross Country Zone I
Need to know
No Campfires, Canister or Bear-Resistant Bag Required for Food Storage June 1-Nov 15, Use Blue Bags Above Tree Line, Pack Out Toilet Paper.