Sahale Mountain

Come out for a big challenge with Sahale Mountain!

Distance: 14 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,500 ft.
Difficulty: Basic Technical

The hike to Sahale Arm is one of the most popular in the state. This trip is to go the extra distance to the summit!

From the trailhead, we will follow the well maintained and relatively gentle hiking trail up to the glacier at around 7800 ft. We will move at a moderate, but steady pace, enjoying the wonderful scenery as we go. From the glacier camp, we will take a longer break and gear up for the glacier. Although the glacier crossing is short, we will rope up and take full precautions. After this, we will transition back to rock to tackle the scramble to the summit. Careful route-finding can reduce the danger, but we should still expect exposed scrambling up to class 4. The final move is up a small chimney up to the airy summit. This is often described as the best view in the state, offering vistas of the entire North Cascades, Glacier Peak, Baker, and more. We will descend from the summit via a rappel back towards easier scrambling and the glacier. Once off the glacier, we can stow our gear, enjoy a snack, and bathe in the natural splendor as we leisurely hike back down the trail.

Everyone is expected to be familiar with the route and be able to help with navigation and climbing. Do some prep work and read some reports.
https://www.summitpost.org/sahale-mountain/150220
https://stevensong.com/usa/washington/sahale-peak/

Advanced skills are required. This trip involves glacier travel, exposed, steep scrambling (class 4+), and a rappel from the summit. The risk is inherently higher than average. Do not attempt to join unless you possess both the necessary physical condition and appropriate technical skills.

There is an also an alltrails map, though we should be ready to do our own route-finding:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/sahale-arm-trail-to-sahale-mountain

Expect a long day (12-14 hours on trail) at a moderate pace. We will get an early start, aiming to leave the trailhead around 5 am. Water is scarce after the first few miles, so be sure to carry plenty, as well as the other 10 essentials. Approach shoes are recommended for the hike into the glacier, but mountaineering boots will be necessary from there. We will rope up for the glacier, and may provide a hand line or simple protection for the scramble. We will stay together moving as a team and help each other overcome every obstacle.

Required Personal Gear:
Helmet
Mountaineering boots
Harness
Ice Axe
Crampons
Belay Device - for rappel
Prusik loops
Personal Anchor or equivalent
Carabiners

Team Gear
Pickets
Rescue Pulley
Rope (60 m preferred)
Anchor materials

Because of the difficulty, everyone will start on the waitlist, with preference given to people I hike with frequently and I know they are reliable. I will keep the group size small (6-8 total). We will aim for two rope teams, but may add a third depending on interest.

Riders should give $25 to their drivers for gas. Bring a plastic bag to place your boots in after the hike. An America the Beautiful Pass or Northwest Forest Pass is necessary to park at the trailhead.

Important: I am not a guide, and this is not a guided trip. You and yourself alone are responsible for your own safety. Please be conscious of your abilities before signing up.