Backcountry Scramble Course

Do you want to adventure beyond the trail? Are you interested in wilderness navigation, route finding, and scrambling to summits that are off the beaten path? Do you want to add snow travel and camping skills that will open up new outdoors opportunities?

The Bushwhacker Climbing Club’s Backcountry Scramble Course offers in-depth training in wilderness navigation, unroped travel through moderately exposed areas, ice axe skills, and techniques for travel in adverse weather conditions. We will practice and climb classic Cascades scrambling routes. An overnight outing in snow country teaches snow camping techniques and provides the chance to reach deeper into the mountains.

The skills learned will help provide new opportunities for enjoyment and adventure in the mountains. While the course does not involve high angle or roped climbing, the outings and lessons will build a strong foundation of knowledge and conditioning that will be useful if you continue on with another climbing class.

Course Requirements

Applicants should have some basic hiking and backpacking experience. The outings will be strenuous with long days; applicants must be in good physical condition.

Applicants will need the following equipment to participate in this course. We will talk a great deal about specific gear in the lectures - we advise course members to hold off on new gear purchases until after the classroom discussions:

  • Mountaineering boots (may be rented; suitable for a 3 day snow outing)
  • Ice Axe
  • Climbing Helmet
  • Compass (simple base plate compass preferred)
  • Suitable outdoor clothing - no cotton
  • Overnight camping equipment & backpack (the club can provide stoves & tents)

Attendance at all lectures and the 2 day outings is required for participation in the three day outing.

Cost of the Course

The cost of this course is $175.00. The course fee includes one box lunch (map & compass workshop); the course textbook; and outing maps. Students are responsible for all other outing and equipment expenses.

Note that you must be a member of the club to take this course. You are welcome to join the club at any time at Join the Club!

Status of the 2012 Course

We are currently making plans for the Course. Watch here for dates and other information. Typically the course is held in June.