Black Peak

The North Cascades are a climber’s playground. They offer big mountain terrain in an unbelievable setting. Their jagged ridges and rocky summits are surrounded by snowfields and glaciers, which will put all of your previous mountaineering skills to the test. On this trip we will attempt Black Peak. Black is the 20th highest mountain in Washington and an all-around gem of a climb. We will attempt either the South Ridge or the North Ridge depending on the conditions and the experience of the group. You can expect 4th and low 5th class climbing, steep snow and whole lot of exposure on the knife edge ridge. This is the perfect introductory climb to the North Cascades.

Book July 9-10, 2023

IMPORTANT BETA

CLIMB DETAILS

Price: $875 Per Person
Length: 2 days
Guide-to-Client Ratio: 1:2
Difficulty: Strenuous
When: July 9-10, 2023
Type: Mountaineering
Type: Experiential

INCLUDED

2:1 NEM Guide Ratio
Camping throughout
All Group Gear
Emergency Gear
NCNP Climbing Permit

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare
Transportation
Personal Gear
Lodging when in town (unless listed otherwise)
Meals
Rental gear
Gratuities

RENTAL GEAR

Most of the required equipment [listed below] is available for rent from our affiliate mtnGEAR. NEM climbers will receive an exclusive discount of 20% discount on all rental equipment and clothing.

2023 DATES AVAILABLE

We are now booking July 2023. Do you have a different date in mind? Let us know and we will work to make your dream come true!

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Day 1: Arrival into Seattle, WA. Drive into North Cascades National Park (3hr drive) and meet your guides at the designated campground by 5PM. Overnight at the campground.

CLIMBING ITINERARY BEGINS

Day 2: We will have a casual start today as the approach to camp only takes 3-4 hours. Our approach to Wing Lake will take us through old growth forest and then past 3 beautiful alpine lakes. Black peak looms over each lake and wildflowers are in abundance. Overnight in tents at Wing Lake.

Day 3: Summit day begins as the sun crests the horizon. We'll ascend steep snow to the saddle where we will rope up. Depending on the route selected, we will ascend either 4th class terrain on the South Ridge or 5th Class rock climbing up to 5.4 on the North Ridge. This spectacular summit offers unparalleled views of the North Cascades. After high fives on the summit, we descend back to camp via the South Ridge. We'll pack up camp and hike out to the cars. Overnight in tents at the campground.

CLIMBING ITINERARY ENDS

Day 4: We will begin the drive back to Seattle and say our goodbyes. Afternoon flights can be booked, but we encourage you to take an extra day and to visit Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the amazing city of Seattle.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About The North Cascades

How Difficult is the North Cascades Climbing trip?

The mountains in the North Cascades are long climbs with heavy backpacks. They can be very strenuous at times. These peaks require technical rock climbing and long approaches as well as steep snow. Prior rock climbing experience is required. You will need to be in top physical condition.

Do I Need Any Prior Experience?

The rock climbing and rock scrambles are beginner grades. The most difficult climbing is rated 5.6 but mostly it is 4th-low 5th class. Due to the alpine environment, these climbs take on a more serious perspective than rock climbs of harder grades closer to civilization. Prior rock climbing and camping experience are required.

What Are the Age Limits for This Climb?

We encourage participants to be age 16 or over, although exceptions can be made based on previous experience. Participants under the age of 16 will need to submit a climbing resume for review. As long as you are in excellent physical condition, are approved by your doctor, and have are able to legally sign the liability waiver, you are welcome to join us!

How Long are the Climbing Days?

Each day is challenging. At the beginning of the climb altitude is not an issue. However, pack weight is heavy. As we ascend, packs get lighter but altitude takes its toll. Summit day can be 14-16 hours long.

What are the Sleeping Arrangements on the Mountain?

We will provide tents. To minimize the amount of necessary gear, climbers will share a tent. Your tent will be designed to sleep the number of climbers assigned in it [i.e. a 3-person tent will sleep 3 climbers and a 2-person tent will sleep 2 climbers]. We will only make exceptions to this on rare occasions. Please feel free to contact us if you feel you need your own tent.

How Heavy Will My Pack Be?

You can expect a 45lb-55lb pack for the first two days. Summit day will require 10lb-15lb packs.

Why Do We Begin Our Summit Attempt in the Dark?

We get an alpine start for many reasons. In general everything is safer at night when the temperatures are cold and the sun has not begun to melt the snow and ice. The terrain is firmer for easier climbing, snow bridges over crevasses are frozen, the snowpack is more stable and rock fall is less of a hazard.

Where Do I Meet My Guide?

You will meet your guide at the specified campground and/or airbnb. You will receive this information well before departure.

Can I Rent Gear for My Climb?

Yes! We recommend renting boots from the American Alpine Institute in Bellingham, WA. All other rentals can be made through our affiliate climbingrentals.com and we will bring the gear with us.

General Policies

GENERAL POLICIES

NEMs Adventure itineraries are subject to change or be adjusted based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, terrain, group dynamics and many other factors. NEM has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including the discretion to change program schedule or itinerary, and change guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program. We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather or route conditions. In such a case, an NEM credit for the full value is given; however, NEM cannot be responsible for any additional expenses incurred in preparing for the program (i.e., airline tickets, equipment purchase or rental, hotel reservations). NEM reserves the right to dismiss the Participant from a trip at any time if NEM determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for or capable of participating in the program. This includes being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

SUMMIT ATTEMPT

Northeast Mountaineering cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit or complete the objective you have signed up for. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities or the abilities of others may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe, and you or your entire party will have to turn around without reaching the summit. Your program fee entitles you to one mountain experience on your specified dates.

MINIMUM REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Most of our programs do not have a minimum enrollment. If you are the only one registered, it will likely become a private outing. For our Waterfall Rappelling adventure, we must have at least 50% enrollment (3 people) to run the adventure. In the event of low-enrollment, we will reschedule your adventure to another date. If another date cannot be accommodated, you will receive an NEM credit.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Safety is NEM’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in the mountains but they cannot eliminate them. NEM guides draw from their wealth of experience and training to make sound decisions that maximize your experience without compromising the necessary margin of safety. Please clearly understand that mountaineering and all other mountain adventures are inherently hazardous sports. You are choosing to engage in an activity in which participants have been injured and killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risk and hazards of these sports, and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in these activities.

NEW ENGLAND ADVENTURES

Payment in full is due at the time of booking. Payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or check.

BEYOND NEW ENGLAND INCLUDING MOUNT RAINIER

A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person secures your reservation but may vary - please check your specific adventure. Payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or check. Final payment is due 1 month [30 days] before departure. For your convenience, we can work out a monthly payment plan.

INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES

A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person secures your reservation but may vary - please check your specific adventure. Payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or check. Final payment is due 1 month [30 days] before departure. For your convenience, we can work out a monthly payment plan.

CANCELLATION FOR NEW ENGLAND PROGRAMS

Up to 30 days before your adventure: Full Refund will be issued 29 days - 72 hours before your adventure: Full Refund in the form of NEM credit Within 72 hours of your adventure: No refund will be issued* In the event that you have a positive COVID-19 test and need to cancel within 72 hours, you will be issued an NEM credit for your adventure.

CANCELLATION FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS & OUTSIDE OF NEW ENGLAND

Up to 90 days before your adventure: Full Refund will be issued 89 days - 30 days before your adventure: Participant will be responsible for paying 50% of the total balance. If the balance is paid in full, participant will receive a 50% refund in the form of NEM credit. Within 30 days of your adventure: No refund will be issued and participant will be responsible for paying the full balance.* *Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment. If NEM cancels your adventure due to weather or another unforeseen reason, you will receive an NEM credit.

CHANGE OF DATE

Date changes are subject to availability. Date changes may be requested at anytime up to 7 days prior to your adventure without incurring a date change fee. Date changes may be requested between 7 and 3 days prior to your departure date for a $25 fee per person. There are no date changes allowed within 72 hours before your adventure.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

In the event your guide or a fellow NEM guide or staff has reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 or they are otherwise feeling unwell they will attempt to get a COVID test in time for your adventure or course. In the event of a positive test or the absence of results,  your course or adventure will be rescheduled or you can opt for an NEM credit to use at your discretion. Refunds for travel, lodging or other costs associated with your adventure will not be refunded or reimbursed.