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Shasta Season is here! Check out our climbing & ski programs!

info@blackbirdguides.com

North Cascades

The North Cascades are a rugged range of towering peaks, vast glaciers, and deep snow. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in your mountaineering pursuits, the North Cascades is an exhilarating place to push your limits in the mountains.

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We've got Reservations Confirmed for Coveted Spots on Mt Shuksan and Forbidden Peak the 2024 Season ready to Go:

June 26-28 | Mt Shuksan Fisher Chimneys
July 12-15 | 4Day Skills + Fisher Chimneys
July 12-15 | Shuksan North Face
July 12-18 | True North Alpinism
August 2-4 | Fisher Chimneys
August 12-15 | Fisher Chimneys
August 23-25 | Fisher Chimneys
Aug 31 - Sep 2 | Fisher Chimneys

A climber being guided during an alpine climb of Mount Baker’s North Ridge

Mt Baker North Ridge Summit Climb

Massive relief, expansive glaciers, pitched ice climbing and incredible exposure make this climb simply exhilarating.

Climber on the North Face of Mt Shuksan above a lake

Mt Shuksan North Face

Exciting exposure and panoramic views of Mt Baker set the stage for this adventurous big mountain climb.

Three climbers on Coleman Glacier, Mt Baker

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Baker Summit Climb 2 Day

An overnight mountaineering expedition to summit one of the most glaciated peaks in the lower 48.

Forbidden Peak North Ridge Camp in the North Cascades, Washington

The Torment Forbidden Traverse

Navigate glaciers and knife-edge rock ridges with over a mile of traversing before summiting Forbidden Peak via the West Ridge.

Coleman Deming Glacier with Mt Baker in the Background

Advanced Expert

Mt Baker Summit Climb 1 Day

A massive undertaking where you’ll climb and descend 7,000 vertical feet without taking breaks longer than 15 minutes.

Hikers on the Boston Glacier Traverse in the North Cascades, Washington

Intermediate Advanced

Forbidden Peak North Ridge

The North Ridge of Forbidden Peak is wild alpine climb in Boston Basin.

Mountaineers hiking to Boston Basin in the North Cascades, Washington with Blackbird Guides

Intermediate Advanced

Forbidden Peak West Ridge

The West Ridge of Forbidden Peak is an outstanding alpine route and one of the 50 Classic Climbs of North America

A Climber rescuing a climber during a crevasse rescue course on Mt Baker

Crevasse Rescue Course in Washington

Expand your rope skills and develop the advanced ski mountaineering skills needed to push into bigger terrain and rescue a partner.

Crevasses in front of Mt Baker in Washington during a Blackbird Guides 4 day mountaineering skills seminar

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Baker Summit & Skills Seminar 4 Day

Massive relief, expansive glaciers, and moderate to steep slopes make for an excellent training ground and incredible climbing.

Mt Shuksan North Face in early winter

Intermediate Advanced Expert

North Cascades Private Alpine Climbing

This private alpine climbing program allows you to pick the routes and time frame that is right for you and your team.

Climbers high on the Emmons Glacier route on Mount Rainier

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Rainier Summit & Skills Expedition 5 Day

5 days of big mountain skills & a summit attempt of 14,411' Mt Rainier.

Tent on a ridge overlooking Mt Baker during Blackbird Guides True North - Baker & Shuksan Alpinism Week

True North - Mt Baker & Mt Shuksan Alpinism

The True North Alpine Climbing week pairs the best climbing route on Mt Baker with one of Mt Shuksan's classic routes.

Lake with Mt Shuksan in the background during the summer

Mt Shuksan Fisher Chimneys

Complex glacier travel, moderate and exposed rock climbing and often a bit of easy ice climbing later in the season.

Climber on Pumice Ridge, Mt Baker

Mt Baker Summit Climb 3 Day

A three day, two night mountaineering expedition to summit one of the most glaciated peaks in the lower 48.

Climbers on the Sahale Summit Ridge in the North Cascades, Washington

Intro to Mountaineering in Washington

Make the leap from hiker to climber with this introduction to mountaineering skills!

Climber on Pumice Ridge, Mt Baker

Mt Baker Summit Climb - Private

Build a custom itinerary for your group based on your objectives, skills, and preferred trip length!

Mt Baker Ski Mountaineering Camp 5 Day

Intermediate-Advanced

Mt Baker Ski Mountaineering Camp 5 Day

Climb and ski one of Washington's biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.

North Cascades Ski Mountaineering - Private

Advanced Expert

North Cascades Ski Mountaineering - Private

Join us for a day of ski touring in the North Cascades, which are also known as the American Alps!

Skier touring on Mt Baker in Washington at dawn

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Baker Summit & Ski 3 Day

Climb and ski one of Washington's biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.

Skier making a powder turn near the summit of Mt Baker in Washington

Advanced Expert

Mt Baker Summit & Ski 1 Day

A single push ski mountaineering trip covering 7,000' to the top of the Mt Baker in the Cascade Range!

Sunrise on Mt Baker in Washington

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Baker Summit & Ski 2 Day

Climb and ski one of Washington's biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.

Backcountry Skiing Washington - Private

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Backcountry Skiing Washington - Private

We'll an objective based on your experience and then explore the best backcountry zones around Washington with our expert guides

Backcountry Skiers near Snow Lake Divide at Snoqualmie Pass

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Backcountry Skiing Snoqualmie Pass - Private

From Pineapple Pass to the Slot Couloir & Kendall Trees, we'll work with you to pick an objective based on your desires & experience. Our expert guides will manage the snowpack & terrain and help you get an incredible day in the backcountry.

Skinning up Mt Herman in the Mt Baker Heather Meadows Backcountry

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Backcountry Skiing Mt Baker - Private

From Heather Meadows to Table Mountain, Mazama Dome and Barometer Peak, if there's great snow in the zone, we'll find great runs for you to ride!

Sunrise on Mt Baker in Washington

Intermediate Advanced

Mt Baker Summit & Ski - Private

Climb and ski one of Washington's biggest mountains while pushing your boundaries and gaining ski mountaineering skills.

Mountaineers hiking to Boston Basin in the North Cascades, Washington with Blackbird Guides

Intermediate Advanced

Forbidden Peak West Ridge

The West Ridge of Forbidden Peak is an outstanding alpine route and one of the 50 Classic Climbs of North America

NORTH RIDGE OF FORBIDDEN PEAK

MT SHUKSAN

NORTH FACE OF MT SHUKSAN

SUNSET FROM FORBIDDEN PEAK

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