After months of winter hiking, weighted pack training, and a foundational rock course, it was time to take the next big leap: 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 Bellingham, WA, to sort out our ge

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 s

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...

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...

Even before embarking on my climbing journey, travel, adventure, living a meaningful life, and a deep respect for nature and...