Hi Guys,

I'm an East Coaster coming to Seattle for work for a few days next week and I gave myself a Saturday to get outside for the day before my flight on Sunday.

(My background) Originally from New Hampshire, competitive skier growing up, been hiking my entire life and been doing a bit of mountaineering and climbing as much as I can the last 6 years in the White Mountains. Now for those of whom are blessed with your wonderful terrain out here in the Pac Northwest, the Whites in New Hampshire are the best we can do - verticals up to 4K, very few serious routes, but what we do have is the worst weather in the world (recorded -http://mountwashington.org/ ). So, I am very comfortable in the elements from my days on end above treeline at night with the wind chills hovering between -30 to -80. What I don't have is technical climbing experience on steep routes requiring a bit more skill. I'm also well versed with snow packs, avalanche training, ect as I was a competitive skier for many years and I did a fair amount of time out on Mount Hood and the Rockies for training and competitions. So I know the snow, I know the mountains, I know my gear, I'm just not experienced in a more competitive environment. I'd love some suggestions for a peak that I could bag on a day trip that's not too far from Seattle (leave Seattle Friday night, car camp, and hit the trail the following day and be done and out Saturday afternoon.) Doesn't have to be too strenuous or too easy (I'd like some nice views of the surrounding region if possible) - maybe something in the 2.5-4K vertical range, and something with some foot traffic so that I won't be totally isolated. All of this is of course pending the weather, if all else fails I'll just go ski for a day - but'd I'd rather be on foot.

Thanks guys, looking forward to your sugggestions.

Best,
Geoff

Mt. Si trail, people use it to train for Rainier.
http://mymountainsoregon.blogspot.com/2011/06/mt-si-washington-6-15-2011.html

Sorry, jumped the gun by posting that before reading thoroughly what you're after. Mt. Si has a decent trail up, nothing technical or tricky - just a workout. Might think about North Cascades if avy danger is low, but sounds like snow this weekend at least.

Yes, Mt. Si is fits your bill the best. A trail will gain about 3,500 feet to a lookout. This weekend, snow levels are supposed to be around 800 feet, and the trailhead is at around 500 feet, so there will be snow practically all the way from the trailhead to the summit. Most people turn around at the lookout, but you can continue to the top of the Haystack, which will be snow/ice encrusted, and has severe exposure, so I wouldn't attempt it right now.

I think I might have a bit more experience than I may have led on, initially. I do regular multi-day expeditions above tree line and ski tours out here (in extreme exposure environments) and have done some winter ascents in Colorado up to 14K.

I liked 'philoparts' idea of heading to the North Cascades - since I'll be by myself, I don't want to push myself or put myself into any situations whereby I might regret it. Therefor, I found a few that look like they'd be up my alley either by myself or with a team - i.e. Crown Peak (http://www.summitpost.org/crown-point-cascades/697787) looks like something I could do safely on my own, and North Chiwaukum is what I would ideally go for if I were with a friend or two (http://www.summitpost.org/north-chiwaukum/601471). Any suggestions like these guys or anything in-between?

Looks like a few feet of snow possible over the weekend and avy danger going up.
http://www.nwac.us/

Maybe Hidden Lakes Peak...nice lookout on top there

When weather improves check out Mount Teneriffe and Granite Peak off of I-90. Both around 4k with low to moderate traffic. If you are looking for a little more obscure check out Change Peak, Greenway Peak and Mount Washington. THese are right off of I-90 as well

Maybe in March if weather is good take on Muir Peak (a subpeak next to Camp Muir) or Mount Saint Helens. Both are long dayclimbs around 5K to 5.5K and some ice axe work but nothing over the top.