Entries By jackson breen
Posted by: Casey Grom, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
After a good nights sleep and a wonderful breakfast we loaded up the bus and left our cozy hacienda for the famous Otavalo market! We wandered between vendors picking out souvenirs to bring back to all you lovely people reading this blog. With our new treasures in tow we headed to a beautiful restaurant for lunch on Lago San Pablo. After filling up on delicious steaks, seafood, and a variety of classic Ecuadorian dishes like ceviche we made the long drive to our spectacular hut on Cayambe. We rearranged some gear and had another delicious meal prepared by our incredibly kind Ecuadorian hut keeper. As I write this, people lay about, relaxing, reading, and sawing logs before we move yet higher again tomorrow!
RMI Guide Jackson Breen
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Volcanoes November 4 - 14, 2025
Buenas tardes, amigos!
All is well here in Ecuador. Today the team left the modern comforts of Quito and made our way north for our second acclimation hike. It was incredibly clear on our drive with amazing views of Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Imbabura. We were also joined by our amazing local guide and all round superwoman Fatima. She will also be guiding and providing her local knowledge to further enrich our experience here in Ecuador.
We drove about three hours north to visit and hike around the beautiful Laguna Cuicocha. It’s a hidden lake that sits high above the town of Otavalo where we are staying the night. The hike was just under four hours and took us from dense forest, Andean highlands, to surreal views of the lake and city beneath. Everyone enjoyed the day even if it was a little hot at times with the sun shining nearly all day.
The team is currently relaxing in our new very comfortable lodge for the night and looking forward to a peaceful and good night's rest.
Casey, Jackson, Fatima and the RMI amigos!
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Volcanoes November 4 - 14, 2025
Started today before sunrise with a 6:00 a.m. departure from the hotel. We drove along scenic roads high into the hills around Quito and were rewarded with beautiful views of the city and some of the surrounding volcanoes, including our future objectives: Cayambe and Cotopaxi! When the road ended and we reached the trailhead, we began hiking toward Rucu Pichincha. We walked through gorgeous grasslands and scrambled over rocks, moving in and out of the clouds all day. A few hours and a few thousand feet later, we reached the summit (15,407 ft). After a quick descent back into warmer weather, we arrived at the top of the TelefériQo just before some afternoon thunder. We waited out a brief storm while enjoying coffee in the restaurant before taking the gondola back into town. Most of the team spent some time at the spa, testing their mental fortitude in the cold plunge before dinner. Another great day enjoying Ecuador and acclimating to the altitude!
Thanks for following along—we’re all looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures!
RMI Guide Jackson Breen & Team
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Volcanoes November 4 - 14, 2025
Hola from Ecuador!
The team arrived late last night after some long and late arriving flights. Today we started our day with a team meeting where we did our usual round of introductions to get to know each other and then discussed the game plan for our upcoming 11 day adventure here in Ecuador.
After the meeting we headed out on the town to explore this beautiful historical city with our local and very knowledgeable tour guide Gloria and trusty drive Angel. We first headed to the southern part of Quito to a big hill called La Panacia that over looks this beautiful city. Then made our way on foot to the oldest parts of Quito, to take in the sights, admire the colonial Spanish architecture, and visit one of the many old churches found here Quito.
We finished our tour with of course a visit to the Equator from which Ecuador derivesits name, stopping by a museum that had a pretty interesting collection as well as some unique test that attempt to prove it’s the actual middle of the world.
We wrapped up the day with a quick gear check to make sure everyone has all the gear needed for our climbs. Then it was off to dinner at a nice restaurant where we were enjoyed getting to know each other better.
RMI Guides Casey Grom, Jackson Breen and the the Quito Crew!
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Volcanoes November 4 - 14, 2025
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Seth Burns, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Mt. Baker Seminar Update
Yesterday, the team trained on Mt. Erie, learning essential climbing skills like rope management, knots, belaying, and Leave No Trace principles. Early this morning, they regrouped, reorganized their mountain gear, and began the hike to Hogsback Camp. The 5–6 hour trek gained 2,200 feet through lush forest and alpine meadows, arriving at camp at 5,800'. The afternoon was spent setting up camp, practicing mountain skills, and relaxing in the alpine setting.
Objective #2: Complete!
Jackson and Derek crushed Mt. Baker’s Easton Glacier with confidence and style. From a smooth ascent to a breathtaking sunrise at the summit, they made the climb look easy. Now off the mountain and ready to celebrate a week of wins and unforgettable memories.
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The North Cascades Custom Climb led by RMI Guide Jackson Breen reached the summit of their first objective this morning: Mt. Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys. The team is making their descent back to the trailhead. Tomorrow they will rest as they turn their focus to their second objective: Mt. Baker.
Posted by: Jess Wedel, Alan Davis, Jackson Breen, Will Ambler, Dylan Anderson, Rosie Hust, Celeste Wilson, Erika Barrett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
This morning at 6:15 AM, the Four-Day Climb teams, led by RMI Guides Jess Wedel and Alan Davis, reached the crater rim of Mt. Rainier. The teams were rewarded with perfect weather and improved route conditions, allowing for a safe summit experience.
After taking in the views and celebrating on the summit, the teams made their way back to Camp Muir. There, they took time to rest, refuel, and reflect on the morning’s achievement before continuing their descent.
Now en route to Paradise, the teams are expected to arrive back at RMI Basecamp later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today’s climbers for their determination, teamwork, and a successful summit.
Posted by: Brent Okita, Jackson Breen, Hannah Blum, Raymond Holt, Miles Watson, Fitz Elder, Oliver Shapiro, Ben Porter
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climbs August 10 - 13 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Jackson Breen. It's a beautiful day with clear skies and great views. The teams enjoyed some time on top before starting their descent from the crater rim around 6:40 am. Once they reach Camp Muir they will take a short break and then continue the final 4,500' to Paradise.
Nice work team!
Posted by: Jackson Breen, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Today, the Five-Day Emmons Climb team reached the summit of Mt. Rainier via the Emmons Glacier Route! Led by RMI Guides Jackson Breen and Bailey Servais, the team camped on the Inter Glacier before making their final push from Camp Schurman.
They’ll descend tomorrow and celebrate their incredible achievement at Ashford Basecamp.
Kudos to Derek and Jackson!! I was with you in spirit. Climb every mountain!
Posted by: James Brannon on 8/27/2025 at 4:29 am
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