Have you dreamed of climbing some of the most incredible, iconic peaks in Washington state’s national parks, but don’t know where to start? Check a box off your bucket list while giving back to a place that’s special to you.
Each year, employees from Amazon, Microsoft, REI, and other area companies and foundations raise funds for Washington’s national parks by climbing Mount Rainier, Mount Shuksan (in the North Cascades) or Mount Olympus (in the Olympics). Through partnerships with experienced local climbing guide services, we enable individuals to join together to raise funds for our national parks, culminating in a three- or four-day climb to summit a peak over the summer.
Not an employee at one of these companies? It’s also possible to participate as an individual climber by joining an existing team — or you can ask your company to work with us to put together a climbing program for you and your colleagues.
It’s a win-win: Climbers and their colleagues, friends and families contribute to Washington’s National Park Fund; climbers are able to realize their dreams to climb Washington’s iconic mountains; and, in most cases, the companies they work for match their gifts.
When it comes to previous climbing experience, don’t let that be a deterrent: we’ve seen everyone from first-time climbers to people who’ve summitted 14ers successfully summit our three peaks. The key is to train, train, train — and to start preparing early.
Our qualified partner guide companies, Alpine Ascents International (AAI) and International Mountain Guides (IMG), have tons of great resources available on their websites to help you figure out if you’re able to complete a climb, what the itinerary will look like, where you’ll camp during the climb, the types of gear and equipment you’ll need, and more.
We think our climbs are a pretty amazing opportunity — after all, how many people do you know who have camped out on a glacier? — but don’t take our word for it. Read a firsthand account by Shannon Appleby, who summitted Mount Rainier as part of the Microsoft team guided by International Mountain Guides in July of 2016, or hear it directly from her fellow climber (and future sister-in-law) Aubrey Hughes:
Join us for a climb this summer:
May 14-17 | Mount Rainier with IMG – complete July 23-25 | Mount Rainier with AAI – 4 openings Aug. 4-6 | Mount Rainier with AAI – FULL Aug. 10-14 | Mount Olympus with IMG – 1 opening Aug. 18-21 | Mount Rainier with IMG – FULL Sept. 1-4 | Mount Shuksan with IMG – 3 openings
For individuals: The fundraising commitment for our climbs ranges from $2,300-$3,000 depending on the peak you climb. If you’re interested in joining a climb, shoot us an email and we’ll let you know about options.
For organizations: Interested in starting your own team? We’d love to hear from you so we can work together on a climb program that meets your company’s needs. Reach out to Kristen Oliphant at kristen@wnpf.org.
More than $100,000 is raised annually, thanks to generous community members and climbers from companies like REI, Microsoft, and Amazon. Funds benefit park priorities like search and rescue programs, the creation of an Emergency Operations Center in North Cascades Park, and research of shrinking glaciers at Olympic National Park.
Give a gift that supports the climbers’ fundraising efforts today!
I knew it was my chance. Not only would I have the opportunity to climb with amazing guides at International Mountain Guides, but I could climb Rainier for a great cause – to raise awareness and money for WNPF.
Cover photo: Two Beers climbers on Mount Rainier by Jesse Ransavage, and footer image (below): WNPF climbers on Mt. Shuksan by Heather Danforth 📷