Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach

Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys is regarded as a favorite mountaineering route for many adventurers in Washington. That being said, this route should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers who are comfortable with glacier travel, crevasse rescue, scrambling, routefinding, and more.

Begin from the Lake Ann trailhead. On the ridge above the lake, take a left around the shoulder. You’ll switchback and cross talus slopes before scrambling up a dry waterfall. At the far end of the talus slope, the chimney can be found, although it’s not obvious.

The chimney ascent is exposed and steep. You’ll then scramble through a gully and then up the ridgetop. You’ll cross a snowfield and approach Winnie’s Slide, a steep snowy and icy section. From here it’s across three glaciers to the summit pyramid. You’ll scramble up the summit, which reaches Class IV.

To return, it’s back the same way you came.