Rare Earth Adventures

Swift Creek

Climbing Grade: Grade 2, Moderate to strenuous hike

Trip Distance: 12 miles/20 km  (3 days)

Trip Elevation: 5,665 ft/1,727 m

Season: April-October (Monday through Friday only)
November – March (any day when guides are available)

Custom Dates Available: Give us a call or send us an email to schedule a trip.

Cost: *Price includes guides, transportation, climbing permits, climbing equipment, meals and tents.

Client to Guide Ratio: 5:1

About the Climb
The Swift Creek route is the standard winter/early spring route on Mt. St. Helens. The route can be done as either an alpine climb or a ski mountaineering trip. Typically viewed as a snow climb, the Swift Creek route can at times require the usage of of an ice axe and crampons and ice axe . During the climb Instruction is provided for walking with crampons and in the basic usage of an ice axe for self-belay and self-arrest.

Skill Level
While it is not necessary to have previous mountaineering experience for this trip, this is a strenuous and steep climb on various terrains. The route is longer and more sustained than the Monitor Ridge Route; therefore, it is advisable to be in peak physical condition as climbers are required to carry a portion of the group’s equipment which can weigh as much as 50 lbs. to base camp.  Prior physical conditioning will allow you to better focus on learning new skills while enjoying the adventure. Previous hiking and camping experience is recommended.

Learning Objectives
Our goal at Rare Earth Adventures is to assist participants in gaining the technical skills and knowledge necessary for alpine climbing and mountaineering.

• Anchors
• Ascending fixed lines
• Belay techniques
• Cramponing
• Crevasse rescue
• Expedition camp life
• Hazard identification
• Ice axe use for self-belay and self-arrest
• Rappelling
• Roped glacier travel
• Route selection
• Running belays
• Weather assessment

ITINERARY

EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS