Selected Climbs in the Cascades: Alpine Routes, Sport Climbs, & Crag Climbs (Selected Climbs)

Vol. II differs from Vol. I in that it includes not just alpine routes but sport climbs and crag climbs--great for folks who want to take their rock-gym skills outside. The book also rates the approach to each climb from the car, whether it be a 10-minute walk or a grueling, two-day hike to a frozen waterfall. It's a practical consideration, as some of the approaches are more physically demanding than the actual route. Climbs covered begin in the southern Cascades, dominated by volcanoes Hood, Adams, and Rainier, and move northward to Snoqualmie Pass, with its easily accessible sport climbs and occasionally tough alpine routes. The guide finally moves into the North Cascades. Here, the mountains lose their volcanic character and take on the glacial-carved ruggedness of spots like Forbidden Peak and Mount Fury. More than 500 glaciers dot the area, and serious alpinists will find plenty in this section to occupy them.

Anyone who climbs in the Pacific Northwest should find Vol. II useful, whether they prefer rock or ice. It's a good entry-level guide, though it's not a how-to-climb manual; get your climbing fundamentals down, then pick up a copy. --Demian McLean

The book itself is made of heavy stock paper - something that you can throw around in your car and not worry about too much. The black and white pictures are awesome and the route descriptions are well written. Hardware suggestions appear to be appropriate and the permit information looks good too.

This book describes 96 new routes and includes crag climbs (something which was not covered in the first edition). Perhaps the best thing about this book is that most of the climbs are somewhat off of the beaten track and not the most well known. Every self-respecting climber in the northwest should own both of these books - they're guaranteed to get you excited and help you pick your next trip.