The Fisher Chimneys is an iconic trade route up Mt Shuksan in the North Cascades. Mt Shuksan is the 13th tallest mountain in the state and is guided via both the Sulphide Glacier, and the more technical Fisher Chimneys routes. The Fisher Chimneys route starts at the Lake Ann trailhead off highway 542. The first 5 miles meanders through pleasant valleys and by Lake Ann before turning up towards Shuksan. From here the route ascends a short section of 4th class scrambling to a boulder field, across the boulder field, and then up the chimneys. The chimneys consist of ~1200 vertical feet of 4th class scrambling in a stunning position. From the top of the chimneys, climbers ascend to 'Winnies Slide' which is a ~200ft tall snow embankment that eventually melts to glacial ice in the late summer. From here you pass through onto the Upper Curtis Glacier where you ascend then descend to the base of 'Hell's Highway which is a 300ft cornice like feature which requires front pointing to climb. Next comes a jaunt up the last bit of the Sulphide glacier to the summit pyramid. The summit pyramid involves sustained and exposed 4th class scrambling up a gully to the pointy summit. From here, one reverses the whole route back to the car. This popular route may see as many as 20 people climbing on a July weekend.
