Warning: Mountain Climbing requires special training and gear and is inherently dangerous.  

We have Skilled and Experienced Youth and Adult Climbers in our Troop.  If a climb is considered, a good amount of training must be completed prior to a summit attempt and only a select few Scouts and Adults will be able to attend.

If you are considering a Climb, consider taking a climbing course and using a Guide Service for your big adventure.

Do NOT Attempt Mountain Climbing without properly Trained Instructors!

Subpages:

Basic Climbs

Intermediate Climbs

Types of Mountaineering

There are three main categories of Mountain Climbing. 

Rock Climbing

• Definition: A discipline of climbing focused exclusively on ascending a rock face.

• What it is: Can be done in a gym, on a local "crag," or as a technical section of a larger alpine route.

• Example: Ascending a cliff face using only hands and feet, with ropes and protection for safety. 

Basic Rock Climbs usually have two to four pitches of roped rock climbing at an easier technical level (4th to low 5th class). Some climbs have just one roped pitch, while others have up to six. You might be surprised at how short the actual climbing section is compared to the approach. Remember, these are mountain climbs, not a big-wall climbing in Yosemite.

One of the main hazards on Basic Rock Climbs is rockfall. It’s a real concern and should always be taken seriously. That said, if a route description mentions “high rockfall danger,” it means high relative to other Basic Climbs, not compared to the worst spots in the Cascades or Olympics. Staying alert, communicating well, and using good judgment helps manage the risk. Helmets are essential—and it’s often smart to keep yours on even when you’re not actively climbing.

Glacier Climbing

• Definition: A specific type of alpine climb that focuses on ice and snow, often involving glacier travel.

• What it is: Climbing on a glacial surface, which can involve crossing crevasses, ascending steep ice walls or frozen waterfalls, and moving across glaciers.

• Example: Using crampons and ice axes to ascend a slope of hard-packed snow or glacial ice. 

Basic Glacier Climbs typically involve travel on snow and ice, often with rope teams, crampons, and ice axes. These climbs emphasize route-finding, rope management, and crevasse rescue skills—core parts of what mountaineering is all about. Technical rock climbing is usually minimal or nonexistent, but endurance and pacing are key.

The main hazards on glacier climbs are crevasses, icefall, and changing snow conditions. Weather can also shift quickly, making navigation and timing especially important. Solid teamwork, steady communication, and knowing your systems keep these climbs both safe and rewarding. Even relatively simple glacier routes can become serious under poor conditions, so always plan conservatively and stay aware of your surroundings.

Alpine Climbing

• Definition: A wild and remote form of mountaineering that can involve multiple disciplines, often on technical and committing routes.

• What it is: A hybrid, as it can include long sections of rock climbing, snow, and ice, and requires skills for all these environments.

• Example: A climber might start by crossing a glacier, then ascend a steep rock face, and finish by climbing an ice gully to reach the summit. 

The term “Alpine Climb” can be a bit confusing—it doesn’t mean these routes are more “alpine” than glacier or rock climbs. Alpine climbs often mix hiking, scrambling, and short sections of glacier or roped rock, but not enough of either to qualify as a full glacier or rock climb.

Some of these routes are great early-season confidence builders and can be less technical, but don’t assume they’re automatically easier or safer. Many are just as strenuous as longer glacier climbs, and routes with extended unroped third-class scrambling can involve real hazards like exposure and rockfall. Good judgment, steady pacing, and solid situational awareness are key.

In Washington State, we have access to a great many peaks that require different types of climbing skills.  

Climbing Styles and SubTypes

Adaptive Climbing

Adaptive climbing enables individuals with a wide range of physical or cognitive disabilities to participate in climbing. It uses specialized equipment and modified techniques to make all styles of climbing accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Aid Climbing

A style of climbing in which progress is made by using gear—such as ladders, slings, or protection devices—attached to the rock. Climbers pull on or stand in this equipment to move upward rather than relying solely on natural holds.

Alpine Climbing

Combines elements of rock, snow, and ice climbing, typically in high-altitude or mountainous environments. Alpine climbing demands strong technical skills, endurance, and specialized equipment to handle rapidly changing terrain and weather conditions.

Artificial Wall Climbing

Climbing on a man-made structure equipped with artificial holds for hands and feet. Most artificial walls are found indoors, though some outdoor versions are used for training or recreation.

Big Wall Climbing

Involves ascending long, multi-pitch routes that can take a full day or several days to complete. Climbers haul gear and may sleep on the wall using portaledges during multi-day ascents.

Bouldering

A form of climbing done on small rock formations or artificial walls, typically less than 20 feet (6 meters) high. Climbers don’t use ropes or harnesses but rely on crash pads and spotters to reduce the risk of injury from falls.

Ice Climbing

Climbing on frozen surfaces such as icefalls, frozen waterfalls, or glaciers using specialized equipment like crampons and ice tools. Techniques and difficulty vary depending on the type and condition of the ice.

Mountaineering (Mountain Climbing)

The pursuit of reaching mountain summits, often involving a combination of hiking, rock climbing, and ice climbing. Mountaineering requires navigation, route-finding, and survival skills to manage diverse terrain and challenging weather.

Rappelling (Abseiling)

A controlled descent down a rock face or cliff using a rope system. The rope is securely anchored, and the climber lowers themselves safely with the help of a belay or friction device.

Sport Climbing

Climbing routes that are protected by pre-placed bolts and anchors. These routes are usually single-pitch and focus on physical movement, technique, and difficulty rather than placing gear for protection.

Traditional (Trad) Climbing

A style of climbing where climbers place removable protection—such as cams and nuts—into natural features of the rock as they ascend. The final climber removes the gear, leaving the rock in its natural state.

Resources

• Fred Beckey’s Cascade Alpine Guide

• Kevin McLane's Canadian Rock: Select Climbs of the West

• Jim Nelson and Peter Potterfield's Selected Climbs in the Cascades 

• Alan Kearney’s Classic Climbs in the Northwest

• Mountaineers 2010 Basic Climbs Guide