Well into his late 80s, life time dirtbag climber, Fred Beckey shows no signs of slowing down his passion for climbing.
Beckey has authored a number of books since the late 1940s, notably the Cadcade Alpine Guide, which is in it’s third edition. In 2003, his 563-page book on the history of the region, Range of Glaciers, was published by the Oregon Historical Society Press.
More notably, Beckey is known for his impressive climbing. In 1963 Beckey climbed the Beckey-Chouinard Route on South Howser Tower the Bugaboos in Canada with Patagonia founder Yvon Choinard and Dan Doody. In 1968 Beckey climbed the first ascent of the Northeast Face on Mount Hooker in the Canadian Rockies. In 1970, in 1983, in 2010, Fred Beckey made another first ascent.
Beckey is unofficially recognized as the all-time world record holder of first ascents. From Canada to California to anywhere, there’s rock, snow, or tons of heinous bush whacking, Beckey has been there and climbed a new route.
In December, Beckey and Patagonia Publishing will be releasing Beckey’s Black Book: Fred Beckey’s 100 Favorite North American Climbs
Outside Magazine did a great profile on the climber.
On Thursday, December 8th, Beckey will be giving a slideshow about his new book at Sunrise Mountain Sports in Livermore. There is a $5 admission fee, which will go to Beckey’s travel fund.
Sunrise Mountain Sports
2455 Railroad Avenue
Livermore, Ca 94550
925.447.8330
