Summer Climb Schedule

Welcome to the Mazamas summer climb schedule, where we list all our climbs from May 1 to October 31.

• If you are new to climbing with the Mazamas, please read the overview of climbing with Mazamas page first to learn about our procedures before you have a look at the schedule below. Note: The first day to submit climb cards is April 15! Climb cards mailed before this date will be rejected. Make sure to read the overview of climbing with the Mazamas (link above) before you submit climb cards.
• Read more details about all of these routes on the Route Description pages for Mazama members on the password only Member pages.
• Meet your climb leaders on our new Leader Profile pages.
• Members, sign in to activate additional climb schedule features, such as route description links within the climb schedule.  New features will be added to the schedule for members periodically.

Updates:  This page will be updated automatically as leaders add climbs.  Check back often for added climbs, changed dates, etc.
Search Tip:  If you are looking for a particular peak or leader, use the new search tools to search the schedule for what you need.
Leader addresses:  If you want to apply for a climb and need to contact the leader, check the leader profile pages by using the link above, or clicking on the link from the climb schedule (click on the leader name).  If no leader profile exists, please contact us at the Mazama Mountaineering Center office and we’ll be happy to give you the information you need.

Climb Grades

Mazamas climbs are graded to indicate approximate experience and/or ability levels required.  “A” level climbs are technically the easiest, and “E” level climbs are the hardest.  The grades are:
  A - May require off-trail hiking, ice axe and crampon use on moderately steep slopes, and self-arrest.
  B - May require off-trail hiking, ice axe and crampon use on moderately steep slopes, self arrest, glacier travel, and roped climbing.
  C - May require off-trail hiking, ice axe and crampon use on moderately steep snow slopes, self arrest, glacier travel, and crevasse rescue skills, belaying, rappelling, and low 5th class rock climbing.
  D - Ice ax and crampon use on steep snow slopes, glacier travel and crevasse rescue, self-arrest, belaying, rappelling and 5th class rock climbing.
  E - Multi-pitch technical routes same as “D”, with high degree of self-sufficiency and proficiency using technical skills under high exposure, sharing high angle leads, setting protection and anchors.

Signing up for a climb

Sign-up for a climb is by applying directly to the climb leader. “A,” “B” and “C” grade sign-up is by mail only, using an Application for Climb card (see below). “B” and “C” climb applicants should list recent climbing experience in spaces provided.

“D” and “E” grade sign-up is by telephone with individual climb leaders. If accepted, most “D” and “E” leaders will then require an Application for Climb card. If telephone contact with leaders is not possible, applicants may send letters including thorough listings of experience, formal instruction, etc. with the climb card. Climb leaders’ addresses and telephone numbers are on the member pages.  If you do not have access to the member pages you can call the Mazamas at 503-227-2345 to get the address OR email the leader for their address from the climb leader profile pages.

To apply, fill out the card and mail in an envelope to the climb leader. (DO NOT return it to the Mazamas). Make sure the return postcard portion of the card has proper postage affixed along with YOUR address.  Climb cards cannot be postmarked earlier than Monday, April 15th

Mt. St. Helens Applications

The permitting system for Mount St. Helens has changed with the reopening of the mountain to climbing. There is now a $15 permit and $7 processing fee for each climber; the fees are nonrefundable once the permit is paid for with the park system.

From April 1 to May 14, an unlimited number of climbers are permitted on the mountain since there is usually enough snow on the ground to protect the fragile ecosystem. Climb leaders must go online to purchase the permits at least 24 hours in advance.

For climbs from May 15 through Oct. 31 when there are limits of 100 climbers per day, climb leaders should buy permits ASAP.

For these climbs, the following policy will now cover Mount St. Helens: Send a $22 check to the climb leader with your application. If you are not accepted on the climb, your $22 will be returned with your climb card. If you are accepted, the permit fee is nonrefundable. If the climb is canceled by the leader for any reason, you will not receive a refund. If you need to cancel your position on the climb, your permit can be transferred to another climber only with the permission of the leader.

Deciphering the climb schedule

We use a system of codes and grades to allow us to concisely print the schedule with the most information possible.  Here’s a guide on translating the “secret code”:

Climb Number - Each climb is numbered.  This number must be included on the “Application for Climb” card; when making inquiries about a climb, this number should be referenced.

Restriction codes - Most Mazamas climbs are open to anyone who applies.  Some leaders prefer to restrict their climbs in some manner.  These “restriction codes”, in parentheses after the climb grade, are listed below.

Example:  Climb #5, Diamond Peak/West Ridge,  is graded A+(E)(S). Translation:  The grade is A (easiest).  There is an overnight required on the route, indicated by the plus (+) sign.  The “E” means the leader has not climbed the route before (“Exploratory”), and the “S” means it’s a Ski mountaineering trip, so bring your backcountry skis or snowboard.
  + Indicates there is a pack-in to a base camp.
  (C) For “Classic” Climbers (relaxed pace).
  (E) Exploratory (the leader has not climbed this route before).
  (F) Family Climbs. Slower pace and child friendly
  (H) Hike-To-The-Summit. Moderate climbs for experienced hikers
  (L) Linked climbs — must sign-up for both.
  (A) Adjacent climbs (two climbs in the same area) — may sign up for both.
  (N) Novice. Climb leader is willing to take inexperienced climbers.
  (P)Provisional. Leadership development candidates must lead 3 provisional climbs and be evaluated by a Mazama climb leader to finalize their climb leader status.
  (S) Ski Mountaineering climb.
  (Y) Adventurous Young Mazamas (under 40).

Grad Emphasis
This code is to show current year class grads climbs appropriate for their skill level, and leaders that have indicated an interest in working with the class grads. The climbs are NOT LIMITED to grads from these classes, and class grads are not limited to signing up only for these climbs.