Russ Katz

Detailed climb descriptions coming soon...

Hiking & Diving in Belize, Central America
Made a few hikes through the jungles to get to some of the remote Mayan temples. One took us all the way to the border of Guatemala.

Appalachian Trail, West Virginia
This is my training grounds, a 4 mile loop near Harpers Ferry. Some parts of it can get quite steep. It's a nice hike in the winter, the summer it can get a bit buggy. I usually carry a 5 gallon water jug on my back for weight and 2 liters on my side for drinking. If you take the tourist route there’s a nice place to stop, get lunch, and enjoy the view.

Mount Rainier, Washington
Probably one of the hardest endurance climbs in the continental United States, climbing Mt. Rainier has everything. It starts out in grassy steep hills and a man-made trail but quickly turns into snow. It's a 4 mile hike through the snow climbing a few thousand feet until you reach Camp Muir. Its here we rest for the evening to begin the reach for the summit at around 1am. The second half of the climb everyone gets roped in. There are many glaciers and crevasses (which you actually have to cross). The climbing is steep and rocky. Every step feels like a double step on a staircase. By the time you reach the summit the sun has already risen and I was pretty much toast. Unfortunately I was only half way there and I was soon to learn the hard part hasn't even begun. Descending is where most people get hurt or die. Now I know why. Not only are you exhausted but moving downhill on scree is slippery at best. I climbed Rainier twice and I have to say it was amazing and brutal. I may be back again sometime.

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa
The trip to Africa was one of the most amazing experiences. Kilimanjaro was a long 6 day climb but I felt great and summited fairly easily. After the climb I spent another 4 days in the Serengeti.

Pfiefferhorn, Utah
Ahhh the Pfiefferhorn. This was a 5 day snow survival trip with a summit of the Pfiefferhorn. Unfortunately it was the snowiest season in a long time. The snow was waist deep and we had to dig a hole 5 feet deep for the tents. On our attempt to climb The Pfiefferhorn a storm rolled in while climbing a ridge line. I could not even see the guy in front of me. Our guide went ahead to the ridge line and came down pretty quickly having us follow. It seemed there was no passing onto the ridge due to a massive amount of snow buildup. The guide was worried of avalanche and had is turn around and go down immediately. We may not have summited but it was an experience to remember, first time being in a white out.

Mount Whitney, California
Tallest peak in the continental United States. This was a 2 day climb. A fairly easy but very nice climb. Definitely recommend it. Bring your bug spray though, the mosquitos were torturous.

Great Falls, Virginia
Good local place to practice rock climbing.

Smith Rocks, Oregon
Awesome rock climbing!

Moab, Utah
Spent a fair share of time hiking through Moab.

Mount Washington, Oregon
This was a great climb. It took us through part of the Pacific Coast Trail, then through semi untrailed forest up to the ridgeline. From there you rope in and the final leg is a very fun rock climb.

Mount Saint Helens, Washington
Mount St. Helens, saved the best for last. Been here twice now and would go again in an instant. This was the most fun and rewarding climb. It starts out through the forest till you reach the tree line. Then a fairly straight climb to the lava boulders. From here its bouldering a bit until you reach the scree. Up the scree and to the rim. What an awesome view looking down into a steaming active volcano.