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Sitkum Glacier

Easy Snow, Snow, 10541 ft (3194 m), Grade III,  Avg: 3 from 2 votes
FA: unknown
Washington > Northwest Region > Darrington & Mt… > Glacier Peak Wi… > Glacier Peak

Description

From Boulder Basin, the typical base camp location, go SE toward the Sitkum glacier. Cllimb slightly south  to a corridor left of the feature that divides the glacier's lower section. Climb the glacier heading NE towards a saddle at ~9500 ft. and just east of Sitkum Spire.

From the saddle follow the pumice Sitkum ridge towards the summit. Keep right of the summit as you ascend and slightly below it, moving towards a snow chute that will lead to the summit. 

Location

Boulder Basin is located in the Glacier Peak Wilderness on the flanks of Glacier Peak. Start your approach at the White Chuck River Trailhead near the town of Darrignton. Hike 5.5 miles to Kennedy Hot Springs (~3300 ft) and continue another 1.5 miles to Sitkum Creek and an intersection with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at approximately 3850 ft.

Follow the PCT north (left) for approximately a 1/2 mile until a forested campsite is reached ~4100 ft. Turn into the campsite area and find the climbers' path, often referred to as the Boulder Basin trial, which becomes very steep a few hundred yards from the campsite. Follow the climbers' path upwards along a ridge which is south of Sitkum Creek, to Boulder Basin, at 5500-6000 feet. Camping is located here and this is the typical base camp for climbing the glacier.

Distance to Boulder Basin: 9 miles 

Protection

Ice axe & crampons