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When the terrain get steep enough that scrambling is required, or when ice axes, crampons and ropes are needed for protection, the outing is classified as a “climb”. Obsidians have a long history of leading climbs in the Cascades, dating back to the formation of the club. The climbs we offer range from snowy ascents of high peaks to sport rock climbs in the high desert. |
CLIMBS
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Mountaineering with the ObsidiansThe Obsidians sponsor climbs of most major peaks in the Oregon Cascades during each climbing season. Climbs are scheduled for Washington and California peaks less often, but there are several such climbs on the schedule every year. Climbs vary in difficulty from ‘walk-ups’ to technical rock and snow climbs. Even the easier climbs are still strenuous experiences, often with ascents of several thousand feet on summit day. Persons signing up for climbs must be in good physical condition and be prepared to carry group gear such as ropes or pickets in addition to their own personal climbing and camping gear. Most climbs require two days or longer. The Obsidians is not a guide service. Participants are expected to have at least basic mountaineering skills, and you may be asked to describe your climbing experience before being allowed on some climbs. Participation in most climbs is limited to those who have completed the Basic Mountaineering class (either the one offered by the Obsidians, or an equivalent course offered by another organization). 
The party size on climbs is also limited. Wilderness area restrictions limit the party size to no more than twelve, and many leaders choose to limit the numbers to less than twelve, depending on the route difficulty and other factors. To sign up for a climb, you must sign up through the on-line sign-up process (access through this link). Climbs are generally posted about a month before their scheduled dates. The current climbing chairperson is Brian Hamilton. Climbs Schedule
Climb SchoolNote: The Basic Mountaineering class for 2013 is completed. Each spring we offer a course in Basic Mountaineering to enable people to get the skills needed to participate safely on climbs in alpine environments. A course description is given in this link: Basic Mountaineering Course Description.pdf, and a poster by this link: 2013 climb school flyer.pdf. The course consists of two class sessions, a rock skills field session and a snow skills field session. The class is limited to 20 participants. You must be 16 or older to participate. Those between 13 and 16 may participate if accompanied by a parent or responsible adult who is also enrolled in the course. Note: Sign-up for the Basic Mountaineering class is not through the on-line sign-up process; contact climbs@obsidians.org to obtain application materials. Climbing awardsThe Obsidians have three climbing awards offered to members: The Three Peaks Award is presented to members who have successfully reached the summit of all three Sisters on scheduled Obsidian climbs. The Ten Peaks Award is presented to members who have reached the summits on Obsidian climbs of the ten major Oregon peaks: Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. McLoughlin, Mt. Thielsen, and Diamond Peak. The Ten Peaks Leader Award is presented to Obsidian members who have led climbs of all Ten Major Peaks listed above. Archived climb schedules |