NW Alpine

The NW Alpine Blog of Alpine Pursuits

First Ascent: Mt. Hood – Cathedral Ramp (II WI3 M3)
Expedition

First Ascent: Mt. Hood – Cathedral Ramp (II WI3 M3)

Mt Hood’s Cathedral Ramp saw its first ascent on April 17th, 2021 by Matt Zavortink, Aaron Nelson, Kyle Tarry and Nick Sweeney (me). This route sits high on Mt Hood’s Northern aspect, starting off ...
Training for Climbing - A Perspective from Becky and Phil
Expedition

Training for Climbing - A Perspective from Becky and Phil

Both Becky and Phil climb at a very high level while juggling full time jobs and other commitments. They graciously provided some in-depth insight into their specific training plans, how they find ...
Climbing in the Wind Rivers — Becky Switzer
Expedition

Climbing in the Wind Rivers — Becky Switzer

Flashback to July and remember what it was like to only be four months into the pandemic. Plans had been sidelined for an unforeseen amount of time. Travel was difficult, international travel nearl...
Transcendental Linkup — Luke Negley
Features

Transcendental Linkup — Luke Negley

We sat on the ledge not saying much as we watched the sun set over the city, we both knew that this was going to be one of the most physical days of climbing either of us had ever done. As the sun ...
Liberty Crack - Natalie Afonina
Expedition

Liberty Crack - Natalie Afonina

My former housemate and really good friend Spang texted me on Monday asking if I was in Washington because she decided to last-minute drive up from California. I sent her a couple classic route pro...
Jason Hardrath Profile
Features

Jason Hardrath Profile

During the tail end of his infinity loop push Jason found himself on a more mellow portion of the Wonderland trail but his pace could only hit 14:30. He knew he should be going much faster but his ...
The Alaska Range - Katie McKinstry
Expedition

The Alaska Range - Katie McKinstry

"In climbing there is so much you can control. From training, to the food you eat, the gear you buy, the knowledge you learn, the skills you possess.... but the weather is that almighty being which...
Sending in The Age of Corona - Phil Wortmann
Expedition

Sending in The Age of Corona - Phil Wortmann

"Training pushed my tendons and joints as far as they could go. I slimmed up as much as I could handle, but there are only so many calories you can cut. Liposuction is too expensive for this teache...
Castle Mountain, Montana - July 6-7, 2019 - Bracken Spencer
Expedition

Castle Mountain, Montana - July 6-7, 2019 - Bracken Spencer

It was a late start to an already late start. The plan had been to hit the West Fork of Rock Creek trailhead, located outside of Red Lodge, MT on July 5th for a solo two nights and three days of ba...