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Advice for a newbie climb post-Ranier class

Original Post
Chris Dey · · Littleton, CO · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 0

Hey guys - I'm a n00b from the NE with some basic mountaineering classes, solid winter camping in the ADKs, winter Presi Travese, and 3 summer 14ers in CO under my belt. I'm doing a weeklong RMI skills course on Rainier in July. Afterwards, I'm trying to spend a week in the Cascades checking things out (hopefully climbing). I wanted to get a sense of how hard it would be to find a group/some partners for Mt. Hood or Shasta (or another peak if you guys have any recommendations - Ideally I'd like to be heading south…).

So I guess my questions are:
-Is it unrealistic to think I can find some people to climb with at my experience level, even post-Rainier?
-If it's not, what are some good climbs given my skill level you might recommend?
-If it is, what would you do if you were in my shoes? I have the vacay and I'm already out there after Rainier, so I'd like to get some more experience.

Let me know what you think.

Gee Monet · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 732

If you haven't already, check out Cascade Climbers. That's the local forum and you're likely to have pretty good luck over there.

I met up with a random group of 5 others on that forum and we did a winter ascent of Mt. Adams. I think you'll have no problems finding partners.

Tico · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 0

You'll be fine for the standard routes on Baker/Shuksan/Adams/Glacier/Hood/OR volcanoes/Shasta, depending on your hiking fitness. Partners are easy to come by, try cascadeclimbers.com.
July has generally decent weather, but keep an eye on it. In bad weather, remember that pot is legal in WA, and OR has over 160 breweries. The Oregon Brewers Festival is in July as well.

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

It might be a good idea to look for a more experienced partner, rather than another new climber. Someone that could better deal with the unexpected problems that could occur. But I salute your ambition.

Chris Dey · · Littleton, CO · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 0

Thanks for the quick replies. I should clarify; when I said "find partners at my experience level" I meant am I too inexperienced to try to find random partners - I'd definitely try to climb with someone more experience, but wasn't sure if that'd be hard since I'm pretty new to all this. But it sounds like it won't be, I'll definitely check that forum.

Tico, thanks for reminding of certain legalities, you're speakin' my language.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Pacific Northwest
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