Climbing snow routes is really the first step towards climbing. The following routes are the type that one would generally want an
ice axe on, but the primary danger to climbers is truly avalanche potential and white-outs.
1) Mt. Persis
The West Ridge of this mountain is a nice beginner snow route. It climbs through a heavy forest to a view that simply can't be beat.
This is a true beginners route for those with almost no experience in the mountains at all. It is best climbed in the late winter or early
spring. One can find it described in the Cascade Alpine Guide: Volume One, by Fred Beckey.
2) Granite Mountain
A small fire look-out tops this peak, high above Interstate ninety. This is a great spring climb that puts one in the thick of it. One
has to make a choice based on avalanche danger at the time. Either go up the avalanche chute to attain the summit or venture up the
SouthWest ridge to avoid it. In either case, this climb can be found in the Cascade Alpine Guide: Volume One, by Fred Beckey.
3) Mt. Snoqualmie
The South Shoulder of this peak makes a great outing. It can be found in the Cascade Alpine Guide: Volume One, by Fred Beckey.
4) Goat Mountain
The Southwest Route is a fun romp with a spectacular view. If you plan on traversing between the two summits you may wish to
bring a rope and some snow protection. This peak can be found in the Cascade Alpine Guide: Volume Three, by Fred Beckey.
5) Vesper Peak
The East Ridge of Vesper Peak is a wonderful trek in the early Summer. It can be found in the Cascade Alpine Guide: Volume Two,
by Fred Beckey
6) Mt. Pugh
The Northwest Ridge is the preferred beginner route. Be sure you're map reading skills are excellent if you attempt this prior to June.
A description can be found in the Cascade Alpine Guide: Volume Two, by Fred Beckey.
7) Mount St. Helens
Your first volocano climb should be the Monitor Ridge of this active giant. Generally this is best done in late Spring or early Summer.
There is an excellent route description in Selected Climbs in the Cascades: Volume One, by Nelson and Potterfield.
8) Mount Adams
The South Spur of Mt. Adams is a classic beginner volcano route. There is an excellent write-up on this route in Selected Climbs in
the Cascades: Volume One, by Nelson and Potterfield.
9) Red Mountain
The Southwest Ridge of this mountain makes a great first steep route for the beginning snow climber. You may want to use snow
protection and pitch out the upper part of this 45 degree snowfield. Selected Climbs in the Cascades: Volume Two by Nelson and
Potterfield has a good write-up on the route.
10) North Twin Sister
An excellent steep snow-climb, it was one of my first. A rope and some snow protection is not a bad idea for a beginner on the steep
North Slope. Check the Cascade Alpine Guide: Volume Three, by Fred Beckey for a description.