August 21,2022: A dentist from Anacortes died while summitting Mt. Pugh (7,201 ft / 2,195 m) last weekend.
Herald Net reported The deceased was identified Friday as Matthew Gifford, 56. He died of blunt force injuries on Aug 13.
According to Gifford Dentistry he fell about 200 feet to his death. Dr. Gifford was one of a kind and his love and generosity to each of us and his patients was felt whenever we were around him , social media post says.
Mount Pugh also known by its native name “Da Klagwats” is a peak near the western edge of the North Cascades. It has most spectacular viewpoints in the North Cascades, offering a vista that includes Glacier and Sloan Peak, Mounts Baker, Shuksan, and Rainier, the Olympics, Monte Cristo, Three Fingers, and White Chuck.
According to Washington Trails Association note the hike is a demanding one.
The mountain is named for John Pugh. He settled at the base of the mountain in the 1890s.The first ascent was probably by Nels Bruseth in 1916.
