July 3-4th, 2025
Distance: 14.5 mi
Elevation gain: 8,989 ft
Elevation: 14,411 ft
We did it! After a failed attempt in 2024, I was determined to try again. Not reaching the summit via the Emmons Glacier last year was tough, and that feeling stuck with me. But in hindsight, I’m glad things unfolded the way they did—this ended up being one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had.
The Disappointment Cleaver route was anything but easy. We left Paradise at 9:30 AM and made the long, beautiful slog to Camp Muir. The snowfields felt endless. We arrived at camp around 3:30 PM, set up our tent, checked in with the rangers, and tried to rest by 7:30 PM—though with the sun still up, sleep was hard to come by.
We woke at 10:30 PM and began our summit push at 11:15 PM. The darkness helped me focus on each step without overthinking. After passing Ingraham Flats, it was all glacier. We passed a couple of crevasses and hazard zones. Around 13,500 ft, I started feeling mild altitude sickness, but it was manageable.
Less than 1,000 ft from the summit, wind and clouds rolled in. I was worried about a potential whiteout, but after checking in with my rope team, we decided to keep going. Other teams were turning back, but we pushed forward.
At Columbia Crest, it was a complete whiteout with 20+ MPH winds—I was frozen to the bone. But we waited. Slowly, more teams trickled in, and then—like magic—the clouds cleared. We had a full view of the summit ridge. Standing at the highest point in Washington, on top of an active volcano, was surreal. It was cold, exhausting, and absolutely worth it.
Huge thanks to my rope team—this wouldn’t have been possible without you.
June 11, 2025
Distance: 12 miles
Elevation gain: 6,700 ft
Elevation: 12,276 ft
I drove down to Mt. Adams at midnight, arriving at the trailhead at 5:30 AM, tired and sleep-deprived. After the drive, I took a nap in the back of my rig and started the summit push at 6:30 AM. For the first mile, there was no snow, but as soon as I reached Timberline Camp, the trail all the way up to Lunch Counter was covered. It was a long and steep trek, but I arrived at Lunch Counter around 12:30 PM. I sat down, had lunch, and assessed the remaining ascent to the false summit. It looked very steep, and my sleep deprivation, along with altitude sickness, was starting to kick in. My steps slowed, and I was running out of energy. Despite this, I managed to make it to the false summit and decided to snowboard down.
This was my first time snowboarding down an active volcano—and it was quite the experience! The sun cup terrain made it challenging, and with tired legs, it was even harder. Still, it was a great experience, one I’ll remember for a lifetime.
Two volcanoes down, three more to go.
June 2, 2025
Distance: 8.6 miles
Elevation gain: 4,648 ft
Elevation: 8,363 ft
Started the drive from Seattle at 12:30am and got to the Climber’s Bivouac just before 5am. Geared up, packed some lunch, and hit the trail by 5:20. The first couple miles were mellow—forest trails and rolling snow—but things got real after Loowit Camp when the climb up Monitor Ridge began. It was steep, slow, and seriously tough, but made it to the summit. Couldn’t have asked for a better day—clear skies and views of Hood, Jefferson, Adams, and Rainier from the top. You could even see steam rising from the crater, which was a reminder that St. Helens is still very much alive. The descent was a blast—glissading most of the way down. Got back to the car at 1:20pm.
Grateful for my legs. Grateful for the outdoors.
This solo climb brought me back to myself. Being out here—pushing through, breathing mountain air, seeing the world from above—it reminds me why I chase adventure. It’s not just something I do, it’s part of who I am.
One volcano down, four more to go.
2022 Pt. 3 // WA to HI and everything in between.
Advice to myself at the beginning of the year, if I could go back in time:
Be intentional and patient with your goals because things have a funny way of working itself out…
