4. 100 Peaks Hikes, Scrambles & Climbs
This section describes the differences between hiking, scrambling, and climbing. Of the 100 Peaks, there are 76 scrambles (S), which range from just off-trail to class 3 terrain. There are 15 hikes (H) and 9 climbs (C). Two of the hikes have a short and easy off-trail portion—these are designated as (H-S).”
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100 Peaks: 15 Hikes
Hikes (H) have trails leading to the destination (in this guidebook, a peak), for 100 percent of the route. There is signage guiding the way, especially at the trailhead and at forks in the trail. Anyone in reasonably physical shape should have no trouble with the hikes in this guide. Hike-Scrambles (H-S) are mostly hikes with a very short (and easy) off-trail portion.
Antler Peak (H-S)
Aurora Peak (H)
Bearhead Mountain (H)
Brown Peak (H)
Burroughs Mtn, First (H)
Burroughs Mtn, Second (H)
Burroughs Mtn, Third (H-S)
Crystal Peak (H)
Dege Peak (H)
Fremont, Mount (H)
Gobblers Knob, (H)
Norse Peak (H)
Shriner Peak (H)
Skyscraper Mtn (H)
Tatoosh (H)
100 Peaks: 9 Climbs
All of the climbs (C) in this guide require rock climbing over very steep terrain with class 5 sections, and two of the climbs (Little Tahoma and Whitman Crest) cross glaciers with crevasses. Climbs require ALL the skills of scrambling plus the following: rock-climbing skills, using ropes and protection, crampons, harnesses, and helmets; and skills in glacier travel. Climbs typically require rappelling and belaying. Three climbs (Dewey, Third Mother, and Redstone) might be designated as scramble-climbs (S-C) because of class 4 segments and exposure especially near or at the summit.
Castle, The (C)
Cowlitz Chimney, Main (C)
Dewey Peak (C)
Little Tahoma Peak (C)
3rd Mother(C)
Redstone (C)
Sluiskin Mountain, Chief (C)
Unicorn Peak (C)
Whitman Crest (C)
100 Peaks: 76 scrambles
The remaining 76 peaks are considered scrambles. Scramble may be an unfamiliar term. It does not denote scrambling on hands and knees, scratching yourself up a mountain (though there may be short portions of this). Rather, the term refers to nontechnical climbing. Scrambles (S) are off-trail, nontechnical climbs. There is usually a trail for the first portion of the route and then the route leaves the trail and goes “cross-country”. Scrambles are also rated easy, moderate, or difficult depending on an overall assessment of the exertion (distance and elevation), exposure, and route finding difficulty. Scrambles require route finding skills and occasional travel over rough and steep terrain including areas with exposure.
The bottom line
If you have the training and are prepared, the scrambles and climbs in this guide can be adventures to cherish for years.
The Mountaineers offers a scrambling course and a beginning climbing course every year