Cascades Glacier Walking Tour
See what climate change is all about — join Ph.D. glaciologist candidate Taryn Black & Mountain Madness guide
At Mountain Madness we see ourselves as stewards of the environment, and consider it a privilege to introduce climbers and non-climbers alike to the majesty of Washington’s glaciers. Our Cascades Glacier Tours allow hikers with no previous mountaineering experience to traverse, and explore some of the Cascades mightiest glaciers in comfort, and safety with a trained guide. These tours will get you up close to yawning crevasses, glistening blue ice, and towering seracs, with ample opportunity for photographs, and interpretation of the environment.
For a bit more, you may also request the opportunity to explore the glacier with Ph.D. glaciologist candidate Taryn Black, whose research and projects include work done on Baker’s Coleman glacier. Not sure you can get much more expertise than that! To learn more about Taryn, visit our guide bio page.
As you approach the glacier, you’ll learn about how glaciers contribute to water resources, wildlife habitat, and other ecosystem services. How will these resources be affected as the region’s glaciers react to climate change? On the ice, discover the processes that shape glaciers, and observe how glaciers, in turn, shape the landscape around them. Throughout the tour, you will also learn about Washington’s iconic glaciated volcanoes, the history of glaciation in the Pacific Northwest, and cutting-edge local research on glaciers in the Cascades.
Next step — this trip is a great way to check out the possibility of climbing Mount Baker or taking an ice climbing course.
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Perks
You don’t have to be a climber to explore a glacier! If you can’t join Taryn, you still have the chance to traverse and discover this unique ecosystem with our awesome MM guides who will take care of all the technical details.
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Description
Washington state is home to approximately 186 named glaciers, and many other unnamed perennial snow, and ice features. After Alaska, Washington is the second most glaciated state in the US with over 449 square kilometers of ice covered terrain. To put that in perspective, the state of Rhode Island is 1,951 square miles / 3,140 square kilometers, so Washington state’s glaciers represent 14.3% of the surface area of Rhode Island. Unfortunately, many of those glaciers are now threatened by climate change. During the 20th century rates of glacial melt in various parts of Washington ranged between 7% and 22%. The rate of glacial melt in Washington has increased dramatically in the 21st century, commensurate with an increase in average annual temperature. In fact, 4 of the 5 hottest years on record in Washington state have occurred in the last decade.
Join us and explore this unique environment!
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Cascades Glacier Walking Tour
from $350 – 1 Day
- 1:1 - $700 per person
- 2:1 - $450 per person
- 3:1 - $400 per person
- 4:1 - $375 per person
- 5:1 - $350 per person
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Cascades Walking Glacier Tour
from $500 – 2 days
- 1:1 - $1,350 per person
- 2:1 - $850 per person
- 3:1 - $700 per person
- 4:1 - $600 per person
- 5:1 - $500 per person
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Price Includes
- Lunch on the glacier (1‑day tour)
- All meals on the glacier (2‑day tour)
- Group equipment
- Guide services
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Price Does Not Include
- Airfare
- Transportation — Clients will be responsible for their own and the guide’s(s’) transportation for the trip for custom dates
- Hotel accommodations
- Restaurant meals
- All personal equipment
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- Guide gratuities
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Payment Schedule
- $350 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $200 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 90 days prior to departure
- The balance can be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
Custom Dates Available Without Glaciologist as 2‑Day Trip. Road Closures Add 5 Miles To Approach. — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include anytype of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
Domestic Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 91 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 90 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
1-Day Glacier Walking Tour
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Day 1
We meet at a local gear shop early in the morning on Day 1. After a quick orientation, and equipment check we start our drive to the trailhead. After arriving at the trailhead the approach to camp varies from location to location, but a hike of 2 – 3 hours is typical. If spending the night, we will establish camp. We run through a safety briefing before setting foot on the glacier. Utilizing crampons for traction, and perhaps roping up for safety if necessary we explore the lower portion of the glacier. After a few hours on the ice we hike out to the trailhead and drive back to Seattle.
2-Day Glacier Walking Tour
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Day 1
We meet at a local gear shop early in the morning on Day 1. After a quick orientation, and equipment check we start our drive to the trailhead. After arriving at the trailhead the approach to camp varies from location to location, but a hike of 2 – 3 hours is typical. If spending the night, we will establish camp. We run through a safety briefing before setting foot on the glacier. Utilizing crampons for traction, and perhaps roping up for safety if necessary we explore the lower portion of the glacier. After a few hours on the ice we return to camp for dinner or hike to the trailhead and drive back to Seattle.
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Day 2
After breakfast we return to the glacier to continue our exploration. Early afternoon we return to camp and break it down. We hike down to the trailhead and drive back to Seattle.
Equipment for Cascades Glacier Walking Tour
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Carrying Gear
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Large capacity climbing pack (65-75L) *TWO DAY COURSE ONLY*
approximately 4000-4500 cubic inch (65-75 liters) capacity, avoid unnecessary options that add weight
Examples:
Black Diamond Mission 75, Osprey Ariel 65
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Backpack (25-35L)
day pack size (25-35L)
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Sleeping Gear
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Expedition quality sleeping bag (15-20F) *TWO DAY COURSE ONLY*
One down or synthetic bag rated from 15-20°F /-9 to -7°C
Examples:
Marmot Helium, Marmot Trestles, Western Mountaineering Apache, North Face Guide 20
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Sleeping pad (inflatable) *TWO DAY COURSE ONLY*
Full length inflatable. When sleeping on snow make sure to purchase pad rated to do so
Examples:
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir
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Climbing Gear
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Mountaineering ice axe
under 5’7” use 60cm, 5’7”-6’2” use 60 or 65cm, over 6’2” use 70cm
Examples:
Black Diamond Raven, Petzl Glacier
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Alpine climbing harness
Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing
Examples:
Black Diamond Couloir, Petzl Altitude, Petzl Hirundos
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Locking carabiners (2)
Two large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
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Non-locking carabiners (2)
2 non-locking carabiners. wired straight-gates are recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond HotWire
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4' of perlon accessory cord
4' of perlon accessory cord for prussik materials (6mm diameter)
Examples:
Sterling
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Crampons w/ anti-balling plate
Steel 12-pont. Must be fit to climbing boots prior to trip, new-matic/hybrid type
Examples:
Black Diamond Sabretooth, Petzl Vasak
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Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
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Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond Trail Back Pole
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Glacier glasses
100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case
Examples:
Julbo
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Balaclava or neck gaiter (optional)
lightweight
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Hands
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Light weight work gloves
lightweight gloves with leather palm for rope work
Examples:
Black Diamond Transition Glove
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Mid-weight gloves
1-2 pairs
Examples:
Black Diamond Punisher Glove
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Feet
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Liner socks (optional)
1-pair lightweight and thin
Examples:
polypropylene or wool
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Syntheric or wool socks
check boot fir to make sure they work together
Examples:
Smartwool ,Patagonia
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Lightweight mountaineering boots (NW)
waterproof and crampon compatible (HIGHLY recommended from July -October)
Examples:
Scarpa Charmoz, La Sportiva Trango Tower, Salewa Raven, Salewa Crow
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Light trail shoes, camp booties, or sandals (optional) *TWO DAY COURSE ONLY*
Trail shoes for when at campgrounds and booties/sandals/Crocs for basecamps when weather and season allow
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Gaiters (optional)
Check fit with boots
Examples:
Outdoor Research Verglas or Crocodile
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
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Light weight synthetic jacket
light weight synthetic puffy or fleece
Examples:
Patagonia Nano Puff jacket
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is recommended and ideal
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Nylon shorts (optional)
Quick-drying type for July-Sept trips
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Miscellaneous
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Bear Bag/Bear Canister
Bear bag or bear canister to protect your food from both bears and smaller critters
Examples:
Ursack AllMitey, BearVault,
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Personal first aid kit (NW)
moleskin/blister kit, Band-aids, athletic tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, ect
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Hand sanitizer
enough to last trip length
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Water bottles
two 1 liter wide-mouth water bottles
Examples:
Nalgene
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Hydration bladder (optional)
hydration bladder or water bag with drinking tube (must also have 1 Nalgene Bottle or equivalent)
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Water purification (NW)
Purifies drinking water while on the climb
Examples:
Steri Pen, water filter, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Toiletry kit (NW)
toilet paper stored in double zip lock bags
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Nylon stuff sacks
for food and gear storage, large ziplocs are useful
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Large plastic bags
heavy duty trash compactor bags recommended
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Bandana (optional)
lightweight
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Camera (optional)
or any sort of device that takes pictures
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Large plastic bowl *TWO DAY COURSE ONLY*
Bring a 2-4 cup camping bowl or a plastic "Rubbermaid" style container for your mountain dining
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Lexan spoon or spork *TWO DAY COURSE ONLY*
Lightweight and strong
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Insulated cup (12-16oz) *TWO DAY COURSE ONLY*
A 12-16 oz (350-500 ml) mug with an attached lid will help keep you hydrated
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Book Trip
Cascades Glacier Walking Tour
from $350
1 Day
- 1:1 - $700 per person
- 2:1 - $450 per person
- 3:1 - $400 per person
- 4:1 - $375 per person
- 5:1 - $350 per person
-
Book Trip
Cascades Walking Glacier Tour
from $500
2 days
- 1:1 - $1,350 per person
- 2:1 - $850 per person
- 3:1 - $700 per person
- 4:1 - $600 per person
- 5:1 - $500 per person
Difficulty
Beginner
No Experience required. Little or no walking is required.
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