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• Mt. Hood North Face, Smith Rock

  • Start
    04/10/2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    04/16/2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Mt. Hood and Smith Rock SP
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Join MAA members to climb Mt. Hood by memorable, technical glacier routes with Smith Rock as a alternative. This is the highest mountain in Oregon and a popular mountaineering objective. During the best and longest weather window we'll climb multiple north side routes from a scenic backcountry camp. Otherwise, we'll be hanging at the fun rock climbing mecca that is Smith Rock. Prior experience in glacier travel and steep snow climbing required, and experience in glacier rescue and alpine /water ice climbing preferred. Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 12. Hope to have you out with us!

  SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on their MAA profile. Those registered will be notified. Thank you! 

  DETAILS:

  • What's happening: Ascent of the north faces of Mt. Hood 11,239 via any of the following: Eliot Glacier routes, Eliot Headwall routes, Cooper Spur routes or the North Face routes. Roped glacier travel among crevasses, crossing a bergschrund, climbing on moderate snow / alpine ice. Starting at the Tilly Jane TH and ascending to dig in camp above timberline, from which we'll ascend and descend for as many days as possible, or desired. Possibly desert rock climbing if we end up at Smith Rocks instead due to poor weather. During the week of April 10 - 16, Smith Rock will be our basecamp and backup to our mountain objectives. 
  • Where to meet: Smith Rock State Park in Oregon, at the Climbers Bivouac area at 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 10th. Different itineraries of arriving later or leaving earlier are OK as long as you coordinate with the event leader.
  • Event Leader: Darren Shutt, (916) 872-3399 darren@mountainascent.org
  • Minimum / Maximum: 4,12
  • Required Skills and Fitness: Proficiency in roped glacier travel and crevasse rescue, proficiency in roped lead climbing on moderate snow / 4th class rock, rappelling, navigation, and robust fitness to handle up to three long days. For Smith Rock, ability to tie in, safely belay, and lower partners independently. 
  • What to bring: Warm, stormproof layers for upper and lower body - 4 layers for upper and 3 layers for lower, minimum. 2 pair socks and gloves, warm mittens, warm headwear, sunglasses, goggles, gaiters. Belay device, prusik, 2 locking and 2 non-locking carabiners, 2 runners, harness, helmet, warm mountain boots, sharp steel crampons fit to your boots, pair of ice tools and/or mountain axes, food for 5 days, waterbottles, spoon, cup, warm sleeping bag, sleeping pad, robust mountain tent, stove, fuel, pot, optional trekking pole(s). Rock shoes in the case we end up climbing at Smith Rock. Technical equipment such as rope, rock and snow protection may be supplied by MAA. 
  • Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration. 
  • Additional: The itinerary is dependent upon conditions and weather. 

  ITINERARY:

  • PRIOR: Conference call and logistics coordination late March, TBD
  • DAY 1 - Thursday, April 10th: Gather at 5:00 pm at the Climbers Bivouac campground at Smith Rock, Oregon. We'll meet each other for dinner, set up camp and hold a team meeting to decide on our itinerary. If it all looks good we'll start on Hood the next day. If conditions aren't good we'll stay to climb in Smith Rock until conditions are acceptable. 
  • DAY 2 - Friday, April 11th: We'll drive around the north side to the Tilly Jane trailhead and park. We'll ascend around 3 miles and approx. 1,500' to select and dig in a comfortable and scenic camp site right at timberline and below the North Face / Cooper Spur routes. 
  • DAY 3 - Saturday, April 12th: With a pre-dawn start, arranged teams will climb our chosen route(s) to the summit, then return to camp.  
  • DAYS 4 - 7: Sunday April 13th - Wednesday, April 16th: Continued climbing on Hood. As a contingency for poor weather or unfavorable conditions we'll be rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park. 

  IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.

  • This event is open to all Apex, Base, and free Associate members - paid membership is not a requirement of attendance. 

  • MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

  • MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA, but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

  • Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

  • Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

  • As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

  • All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

  • The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

  • MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.

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• Mt. Olympus Expedition

  • Start
    06/23/2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    06/28/2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Hoh Trail, Olympic National Park, WA
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Join MAA members in Washington State to climb Mt. Olympus. This isolated wilderness peak is the majestic highpoint of Olympic National Park, with dense temperate rain forests and draped in large glaciers. Proficiency in backpacking, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and rock scrambling recommended. Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 12. Hope to have you out with us!

  SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience. Those registered will be notified. Thank you! 
  

  DETAILS:

  • What's happening: Climb Mt. Olympus 7,980' Blue Glacier route. 2 day approach, glacier travel, 4th class scrambling to the true summit. This is both a long backpacking and mountaineering trip, approx. 40 miles round trip. This is a very wet area with variable weather and that will be a big factor in our climb. Because of high mileage, we will make extra effort to cut group weight. Physical fitness / cardio will also be a big factor. Group campsite options by mileage: Mt. Tom Creek 2.5, Five Mile Island 4.8, OGS 8.7, Lewis Meadow 10.2, Elk Lake 14.1, Glacier Meadows 16.5, C.B. Flats.
    
  • Where to meet: Hoh Valley trailhead, Olympic NP
  • Event Leader: Darren Shutt, darren@mountainascent.org
  • Minimum / Maximum: 6,12
  • What to bring: Warm, stormproof layers for upper and lower body. 2 pair socks and gloves, gaiters. Hat, buff, beanie, sunglasses. Lightweight harness, helmet, lightweight glacier and climbing gear (belay device, prusik, 2 locking carabiners, 48" runner, 24" runner, 2 regular carabiners), lightweight mountain / hiking boots, sharp crampons fit to your boots, mountain axe with leash or runner to connect to harness, food for 6 days, waterbottles, trekking pole(s), tent, sleeping bag, pad, stove, bear canister.  
    
  • Expedition Fee: $185, which covers the permits, EL travel expenses and a mandatory group gear usage fee. Minimum of 6 is required for the expedition to run. Registration is confirmed upon complete payment. 
  • Refund policy: Full refunds outside of 90 days, 50% refund between 30 and 90 days, no refund possible closer than 30 days.
    
  • Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
  • Travel: getting to Washington is the responsibility of the participant. However, as a team we will coordinate ridesharing, airport pickup, and lodging.
  • Additional Info: Bear canisters required. We will camp in designated group campsites. Exact itinerary will depend on permits obtained on April 15th.

  ITINERARY:

  Conference Call TBD: Probably May

  • DAY 1, Sunday, June 22: Gather in Seattle or Olympic National Park to meet and greet, sort gear and make preparations. Travel to Hoh Rainforest Trailhead to stay in a campground or a house rental. 
  • DAY 2, Monday, June 23: Start approach, hiking about 11 miles to stay overnight at Lewis Meadows campground.
  • DAY 3, Tuesday, June 24: Continue on approach another 6 miles, arrive at Glacier Meadows. Set up camp.
  • DAY 4, Wednesday, June 25: Climb the glaciers to the west summit, return to camp at Glacier Meadows, round trip approx. 6 miles.
  • DAY 5, Thursday, June 26: Return 6 miles back to Lewis Meadows campground.
  • DAY 6, Friday, June 27: Return 11 miles back to the Hoh trailhead.
  • DAY 7, Saturday, June 28: Weather day. Flights out of Seattle in the evening.

  IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • Due to the demands of the event, only Base and Apex members are eligible to register. 
  • Event leaders are experienced volunteers, but may not be certified guides.
  • Participant safety is our top priority. The itinerary described is the plan; however, circumstances beyond the leader's control may necessitate changes.
    
  • The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.
  • MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.

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• Mt. Robson 2026 Expedition, BC Canada

  • Start
    08/02/2026
  •  
    6:00 AM
  • End
    08/10/2026
  •  
    10:00 PM
  • Location
    Robson Provincial Park, BC Canada
  • Spaces left
    0
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Registration is closed

  

  Mt. Robson 2026 Expedition BC Canada

  Join Apex Members to climb the Kain Face on the Monarch of the Canadian Rockies. At 12,972 with the infamous 9,000' high Emperor Face, bristling with glaciers and unrivalled in majesty, Mt. Robson is the undisputed "high point" of the Canadian Rockies and has always been a place of challenging yet amazing alpine climbing. We'll basecamp at the Dome and climb the historic Kain Face route, with options to also climb Mt. Resplendent and The Helmet as conditions dictate. 

  This is a serious expedition with two mandatory team skills training dates prior to departure and will require a high degree of fitness. Prior experience climbing glaciers and multi-pitch ice or alpine ice required. We have room for 6. Hope to have you out with us!

  SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on their MAA profile. Those registered will be notified. Thank you! 

  DETAILS:

  • What's happening: Climbing on Mt. Robson 12,972' with basecamp near the Dome 10,072' on the Robson Glacier. Glacier travel, alpine ice climbing, backcountry and glacial navigation and camping. Up to two rope teams of three. Kain Face route is rated D, AI3, 50 degrees, and we will descend the same route either downclimbing or rappelling off V-thread anchors. There is the likelihood of climbing low 5th class broken rock with full packs and mountaineering boots on the Resplendent - Robson ridge if the Robson Glacier "Mousetrap" is too hazardous to attempt. All ascents will take between 10-16 hours, all will involve early alpine starts. Freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and hazardous conditions will always be present (and even a likelihood) on a mountain as large as Robson. Summit success rate is 50% at it's best, some years only 10%, depending upon conditions. Prior mandatory glacier and ice climbing training in January and May 2024. Loaner gear may be available.
  • Where to meet: Robson Provincial Park, BC Canada
  • Event Leaders: Darren Shutt, Kelvin Nguyen
  • Minimum / Maximum: 3,6
  • Travel and gear coordination: International travel to Canada requires a valid passport. Group spreadsheet on G-Drive will be shared with confirmed participants.
  • Skills Requirements: Participants should be experienced in and know how to traverse and rescue on glacial terrain, climb 65-degree muti-pitch alpine ice with two tools, climb fifth class rock in mountaineering boots, lead belay, rappel, and clean ice and rock protection, as well as backcountry and glacial travel and camping. 
  • What to bring: Warm technical ice climbing boots, sharp ice crampons, a pair of sharp technical ice tools, harness, belay device, 3 locking carabiners, 2 slings, prusik, Tibloc or Micro traxion, a snow picket, 16 cm ice screw, PAS, helmet, base layers, mid layers, shell layers, puffy with hood, 2 pair socks, gloves, mountain glasses, 40 - 60 liter climbing pack, sleeping bag, mat, tent, food for 6 days, 2 liter water carrying capacity, trekking poles, map, compass, strong headlamp with extra batteries, a few shovels and glacier wands for the group. Each person will carry crevasse rescue gear. MAA may supply some or all of the group technical equipment, ropes, tents, stoves, and fuel.
  • Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.

  ITINERARY:

  • PRIOR: Multi-pitch ice climbing training January 2025 and glacier travel and rescue training on Mt. Shasta Hotlum Left Ice Gully May 2025, exact dates TBD. We will arrange gear and logistics online and on a conference call TBD, will communicate with registrants.
  • DAY 1 - Sunday, Aug. 2nd: Travel to Canada.
  • DAY 2 - Monday, Aug 3rd: Meet at the trailhead and finalize logistics. Hike approx. 13 miles to Berg Lake campsites, or further to camp at the foot of the Robson Glacier.
  • DAY 3 - Tuesday, Aug 4th: Ascend the Robson Glacier to view option to go through the "Mousetrap." If that is out of shape then we will ascend to the Robson / Resplendent col and traverse the exposed low-5th class broken ridge and upper glacier. This may involve roped protected climbing and rappelling, all with full packs. We'll establish basecamp at the Dome 10,072' on the Robson Glacier, at the foot of the Kain Face.
    
  • DAY 4 - DAY 7, Wednesday, Aug 5th - Saturday, August 8th: Rest, acclimate, climb and descend the Kain Face to the summit of Robson, weather being agreeable. Exact itinerary depends upon conditions, weather, and our team. Other routes we can climb from the same base camp are the Ice Arete (AD, 5.4) on Resplendent and the SE Ridge (PD+) on The Helmet.  
  • DAY 8 - Sunday, Aug. 9th: Break camp and head home.
  • DAY 9 - Monday, Aug 10th: Fly or drive home.
  • August 3rd - 6th is set aside as contingency dates for the mountain. If we accomplish our objective we have other mountains in mind. 

  IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.

  • This event is open to all Apex members only. 

  • MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

  • MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

  • Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

  • Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

  • As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

  • All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

  • The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

  • MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.

  
  

  
  

  Show details