Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach
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Table of contents
Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach is a 25.3 km mountaineering route in the North Cascades that is loved by many for its beauty but certainly not accessible to most due to its difficulty. This is a route that requires proper mountaineering experience, equipment, and preparation.
Route Description for Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach
Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys is regarded as a favorite mountaineering route for many adventurers in Washington. That being said, this route should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers who are comfortable with glacier travel, crevasse rescue, scrambling, routefinding, and more.
Begin from the Lake Ann trailhead. On the ridge above the lake, take a left around the shoulder. You’ll switchback and cross talus slopes before scrambling up a dry waterfall. At the far end of the talus slope, the chimney can be found, although it’s not obvious.
The chimney ascent is exposed and steep. You’ll then scramble through a gully and then up the ridgetop. You’ll cross a snowfield and approach Winnie’s Slide, a steep snowy and icy section. From here it’s across three glaciers to the summit pyramid. You’ll scramble up the summit, which reaches Class IV.
To return, it’s back the same way you came.
Getting to the Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach Trailhead
The trailhead for the Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach is at the Lake Ann trailhead off Mount Baker Highway.
Route Information
When to do:
June-September
Backcountry Campsites:
Various backcountry
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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