Summits · Ski descents · Long hikes
Climbing
A decade of notable days in the Cascades.
2023
Mount Bailey
I met up with a couple of friends just west of Crater Lake National Park in early February to ski Mount Bailey. After a chilly night bivvying in the snow park, we left on skis at 6:00 am sharp. After 4 miles of flat snowmobile and cross-country trails we started our skin track up the face of the mountain. Conditions were soft down low but firmer up high, making for nice skinning. On the summit we had 360-degree views and slightly windy weather. We snapped photos, bundled up, transitioned to ski mode and began our 6-mile descent back to the car.
2022
A year close to home
In late 2021 I rescued a dog. I spent the year roaming around my local part of Oregon with her and my partner. Nothing I'd call noteworthy for my climbing résumé, but I had a great time with my family camping, fishing and exploring the backyard.
2021
South Sister, twice
In three weeks I topped out on South Sister twice. The mountain sits about 20 miles outside Bend, Oregon and is the youngest of a three-peak volcanic complex, and the third tallest in Oregon at about 10,200 feet. The first trip was a ski descent: we skinned up and spent about an hour on top gazing for hundreds of miles in every direction. Exactly three weeks later I went back up with my fiancée. The snow had melted fast, so we hiked it. Hotter conditions made for a long but fulfilling day.
2020
404: summit not found
Nothing found here. Hoping for better luck in 2021.
2019
Mount St. Helens
In April, friends and I tagged the summit of Mount St. Helens. It was my fourth time on top and my first ski descent, and an absolute blast. We hit the weather lottery and the snow was excellent for most of the ride down.
2018
Mount Hood
My third summit of Mount Hood, on January 2nd. What a way to start the year.
Mount Adams
My first ski descent of Mount Adams, over Memorial Day weekend.
Mount Adams, again
One summit this year wasn't enough. To prepare for a Mount Rainier bid, my partners and I tagged Adams again in June. Shortly after, a shoulder injury from a bike crash led to nearly two years of recovery.
Timberline Trail
Over Labor Day weekend, two friends and I circumnavigated Mount Hood: more than 10,000 vertical feet over 41 miles. Seeing the mountain from every angle and in every light over three days and two nights was epic and life changing.
2017
Mount St. Helens
My second summit of Mount St. Helens, in February. A temperature inversion meant it was below freezing at the base but a balmy 60 degrees on top.
Mount Hood
My second summit of Mount Hood, in May.
Mount Adams
My second time on top of Mount Adams, in June with plenty of snow still on the ground.
2016
Mount Hood
My first summit of Mount Hood, on Memorial Day 2016.
Mount St. Helens
My first summit of Mount St. Helens, later that year on July 4th.
Mount Adams
My first summit of Mount Adams, in August 2016. It was hot.
2015
Three Fingered Jack circumnavigation
A 25-mile stroll around the lovely Three Fingered Jack.