Menu

Meeting the Mount Hood Challenge

Have you ever climbed a volcano in the Cascades? Last spring, students in Whitworth’s Intro to Mountaineering course did just that. Between two three-day trips, 19 students and staff summited Mount Hood, most for the first time. To get there and back they took 32,000-plus steps, climbed more than 15 miles, and gained over 5,000 feet of elevation, all while carrying 40-pound backpacks and a heavy dose of determination.

Scroll to explore photos, videos and reflections from the Whitworthians who persevered to the summit.

Read the Whitworth Today story about mountaineering students training to summit Mount Hood.

Climbing into the Wild

"On the first day, we do a snow school experience where we get up on the snow hills and practice self-arrest (self-rescue using an ice axe), and we practice the techniques we've talked about in class but can't actually do off the snow."

- Instructor Brad Pointer

"We go to bed early, around 7-8 p.m., and wake up at maybe 1-2 a.m. Then we climb."

- Instructor Brad Pointer

"Around 6:30 a.m. we were a little less than halfway up Mount Hood. Once the sun started to rise, I was greeted 'good morning' by a view that proved there is real meaning to the phrase, 'It took my breath away.' The hills were clear for miles, a gradient from lush forest green to blue at the horizon and the three sister peaks of Mount Jefferson. The beauty of the view inspired me to keep going to reach the views at the summit."

– Claire Leveck '18

"At about a third of the way up the mountain, we stopped for our first long break. Many other students were adjusting gear and putting in headphones, but I was mostly concerned with eating a snack. It's amazing how quickly your energy level goes down on the mountain."

– Sarah Scott '21

"These views are ones that you can only obtain by getting out and exploring."

– Tristan Renz '20

Image of students climbing during the Mount Hood Challenge

"To future hikers, know that the hardest challenge is staying focused on the small movements needed to keep your body going and ignoring the distance you still have to travel."

– Claire Leveck '18

"My advice to students interested in mountaineering and outdoor recreation is this: Send it. That trip you want to go on? Just go, you'll be glad you did."

– Sarah Scott '21

Image of students climbing during the Mount Hood Challenge

'This year we really got it done.'

Reflections from Brad Pointer, Intro to Mountaineering instructor and U-Rec assistant director

"Climbing a mountain is a curious thing. You can't always explain what compels you in the direction of the mountains, but the pull is there. It must be stronger in some than in others, because many people don't give it a second thought. Then there are those who cannot get the mountains out of their heads, and they are consumed by increasingly daring alpine adventures. I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum of interest in mountaineering, and it has been a blessing to me to share this passion with many Whitworth students over the years.

This year was notable in that 95 percent of our climbers reached the summit of Mount Hood over the course of our two climbs. This put a total of 19 Whitworth students and staff on top of a big volcano in the Cascades, which almost doubles our previous record. Of course, countless variables with the trip as a whole as well as with each individual had to come together to make this happen. For some reason, this year we really got it done. It's amazing to see the determined efforts of the students pay off after months of training, studying and diligently practicing skills.

Working with each of these students was very special, helping them navigate training obstacles, life conflicts and time crunches to push through to the fulfillment of their dream. Everyone woke up for at least a few super-early-morning dawn patrol hikes on Mount Spokane before class started, to get real mountain training. I always love it when students catch the bug and continue on to summit other mountains after the course. It was also very special to have five out of eight climbers on our second trip snowboarding or skiing down from Crater Rock. In my opinion, that’s the best way to do mountaineering – you do the hard work of climbing up and then you can really enjoy the trip down.

To be able to offer these students education in mountaineering as part of their academic experience is truly a unique opportunity. It is a real honor to be able to partner with other faculty and staff here at Whitworth to provide this service."

"At about two-thirds of the way up Mount Hood, I really began to find my 'groove.' Mountaineering is all a mind game, really. Yes, it's inherently physical, but the biggest obstacle I faced on Hood was myself.

Getting to the summit was a spiritual experience for me. I don't know how to put it into words, but I felt especially close to God up there."

– Sarah Scott '21

"Around noon I was descending Hog's Back, a 50- to 60-degree slope that serves as the path to the summit. During the descent I only thought about putting one foot in front of the other. Once I reached the base of Hog's Back, I slumped onto the snow and experienced the biggest sigh of relief of my life. I was so relieved to reach a flat surface."

– Claire Leveck '18

"There is a special existence in the alpine, nothing can compare. The intense reliance, trust and experience forge bonds and relationships that exist far beyond the end of any trip. To somehow have the privilege to pursue these places and experiences is something I will never truly understand or appreciate."

– Drew O'Brien '20

"The trip was amazing, I got to meet so many new people and learn so many new skills that I can use beyond mountaineering. I am so happy I decided to join the class and think that everyone who has a passion for the outdoors should take this class – it is definitely worth it."

– Patrick Curtis '22

Image of students climbing during the Mount Hood Challenge

Climbing into the Wild

Have you ever climbed a volcano in the Cascades? Last spring, 15 students in Whitworth's Intro to Mountaineering course did just that. Between two three-day trips, 19 students and staff summited Mount Hood, most for the first time. To get there and back they took 32,000-plus steps, climbed more than 15 miles, and gained over 5,000 feet of elevation, all while carrying 40-pound backpacks and a heavy dose of determination.

Explore photos, videos and reflections from the Whitworthians who persevered to the summit.

"On the first day, we do a snow school experience where we get up on the snow hills and practice self-arrest (self-rescue using an ice axe), and we practice the techniques we've talked about in class but can't actually do off the snow."

- Instructor Brad Pointer

"Around 6:30 a.m. we were a little less than halfway up Mount Hood. Once the sun started to rise, I was greeted 'good morning' by a view that proved there is real meaning to the phrase, 'It took my breath away.' The hills were clear for miles, a gradient from lush forest green to blue at the horizon and the three sister peaks of Mount Jefferson. The beauty of the view inspired me to keep going to reach the views at the summit."

– Claire Leveck '18

"At about a third of the way up the mountain, we stopped for our first long break. Many other students were adjusting gear and putting in headphones, but I was mostly concerned with eating a snack. It's amazing how quickly your energy level goes down on the mountain."

– Sarah Scott '21

"These views are ones that you can only obtain by getting out and exploring."

– Tristan Renz '20

"To future hikers, know that the hardest challenge is staying focused on the small movements needed to keep your body going and ignoring the distance you still have to travel."

– Claire Leveck '18

"To future hikers, know that the hardest challenge is staying focused on the small movements needed to keep your body going and ignoring the distance you still have to travel."

– Claire Leveck '18

"My advice to students interested in mountaineering and outdoor recreation is this: Send it. That trip you want to go on? Just go, you'll be glad you did."

– Sarah Scott '21

'This year we really got it done.'

Reflections from Brad Pointer, Intro to Mountaineering instructor and U-Rec assistant director

"Climbing a mountain is a curious thing. You can't always explain what compels you in the direction of the mountains, but the pull is there. It must be stronger in some than in others, because many people don't give it a second thought. Then there are those who cannot get the mountains out of their heads, and they are consumed by increasingly daring alpine adventures. I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum of interest in mountaineering, and it has been a blessing to me to share this passion with many Whitworth students over the years.

This year was notable in that 95 percent of our climbers reached the summit of Mount Hood over the course of our two climbs. This put a total of 19 Whitworth students and staff on top of a big volcano in the Cascades, which almost doubles our previous record. Of course, countless variables with the trip as a whole as well as with each individual had to come together to make this happen. For some reason, this year we really got it done. It's amazing to see the determined efforts of the students pay off after months of training, studying and diligently practicing skills.

Working with each of these students was very special, helping them navigate training obstacles, life conflicts and time crunches to push through to the fulfillment of their dream. Everyone woke up for at least a few super-early-morning dawn patrol hikes on Mount Spokane before class started, to get real mountain training. I always love it when students catch the bug and continue on to summit other mountains after the course. It was also very special to have five out of eight climbers on our second trip snowboarding or skiing down from Crater Rock. In my opinion, that’s the best way to do mountaineering – you do the hard work of climbing up and then you can really enjoy the trip down.

To be able to offer these students education in mountaineering as part of their academic experience is truly a unique opportunity. It is a real honor to be able to partner with other faculty and staff here at Whitworth to provide this service."

"At about two-thirds of the way up Mount Hood, I really began to find my 'groove.' Mountaineering is all a mind game, really. Yes, it's inherently physical, but the biggest obstacle I faced on Hood was myself.

"Getting to the summit was a spiritual experience for me. I don't know how to put it into words, but I felt especially close to God up there."

– Sarah Scott '21

"Around noon I was descending Hog's Back, a 50- to 60-degree slope that serves as the path to the summit. During the descent I only thought about putting one foot in front of the other. Once I reached the base of Hog's Back, I slumped onto the snow and experienced the biggest sigh of relief of my life. I was so relieved to reach a flat surface."

– Claire Leveck '18

"There is a special existence in the alpine, nothing can compare. The intense reliance, trust and experience forge bonds and relationships that exist far beyond the end of any trip. To somehow have the privilege to pursue these places and experiences is something I will never truly understand or appreciate."

– Drew O'Brien '20

Image of students at the peak of Mount Hood

"The trip was amazing, I got to meet so many new people and learn so many new skills that I can use beyond mountaineering. I am so happy I decided to join the class and think that everyone who has a passion for the outdoors should take this class – it is definitely worth it."

– Patrick Curtis '22