After completing my Alpinism 1 course with the American Alpine Institute, I felt ready to apply those skills on bigger objectives. Over the next six weeks in the summer of 2021, I found myself standing on three iconic Washington summits: Glacier Peak, Mount Olympus, and Mount Adams. Looking back, I didn’t realize it then, but this short stretch of climbing would become some sort of a graduation. The length, elevation gain, and multi-day nature of these climbs would make me mo

After months of winter hiking, weighted pack training, and a foundational rock course, it was time to take the next big leap in Summer 2021. I had signed up for a full six-day Alpinism 1 course with the American Alpine Institute (AAI), one of the most respected technical climbing schools in the U.S., known for developing competent, self-sufficient climbers. This was my real entry into the world of alpine climbing. We met bright and early at AAI’s headquarters and gear shop in

By early 2021, the seed of alpinism had firmly taken root. I wasn’t just chasing summits anymore, I was preparing to become more self-reliant in the mountains. Up until this point, my climbs had tested endurance, glacier skills, and mental toughness. But I wanted to go deeper: into technical terrain, rope systems, and mixed environments. That meant training differently. First came fitness. I began hiking regularly through the winter, often with weighted packs to simulate the

After Shuksan, I was hungry for more—and Mt. Hood was next on the list. At 11,239 ft, it may not have the technical rock of Shuksan or the sheer scale of Rainier, but it packs a punch. What makes it unique is how accessible it is from Portland—and that’s both a blessing and a curse. The mountain sees a high number of summit attempts and, unfortunately, a high number of incidents. We knew we had to be prepared. I teamed up with Chad, Steve, Sarah, and Hayley for the climb. Wit

After a string of scrambles and glacier climbs and endurance-heavy objectives like Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier, I found myself craving something more technically demanding—something that required more than just putting one foot in front of the other. Mt. Shuksan (9,131 ft), with its stunning alpine lines, rugged terrain, and iconic summit pyramid, offered just that. This wasn’t just another mountain—it was an aesthetic marvel and a technical proving ground, and it marked a step

After my first alpine success on Mount Baker, I was contemplating 'what next,' and wondering if my interest in climbing could evolve into...

Approaching the final summit My alpine climbing journey, a path I embarked upon with a heart full of adventure and a soul yearning for the mountains, truly began in the most unexpected of times. I've been an ardent hiker and backpacker for years, with an intrinsic connection to the mountains that took root during my childhood in the Himalayas. Climbing small peaks as a kid, I developed a profound love for these towering natural wonders. Moving to Seattle in 2013 only fueled t

Summit of SEWS - WA Pass Even before embarking on my climbing journey, travel, adventure, living a meaningful life, and a deep respect for nature and sustainability were integral to my ethos. So, when I decided to share my journey more publicly, I thought long and hard about an apt representation of my beliefs and values. "Adventure Karma" is more than just a catchy name; it's a philosophy born from the convergence of two powerful concepts: "adventure" and "karma." The term "