Weltzien Returns to Open Book Club with "Exceptional Mountains: A Cultural History of the Pacific Northwest Volcanoes"

SEELEY LAKE - O. Alan Weltzien will be reading from and discussing his newly published book, "Exceptional Mountains: a Cultural History of the Pacific Northwest Volcanoes" Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Grizzly Claw Trading Company. The event is sponsored by Alpine Artisans' Open Book Club and is free. All are welcome.

In "Exceptional Mountains," Weltzien provides a comprehensive and well-indexed history of mountaineering among the volcanoes of the northwest: Rainier, Hood, Baker and others. He explores the evolving interest in climbing, noting earliest assaults on these celebrated volcanoes and those individuals prominent in the popularity of climbing. He presents the fascinating history of Mt. Rainier as a tourist destination and climbing mecca for those bound for Mt. Everest.

Of particular interest is the weaving together of the conundrum of wilderness preservation and commercial interest; more wilderness versus more amenities; industrial tourism and window tourism; the role of REI and Patagonia in encouraging and benefiting from the popularity of promoting a wilderness experience and various wilderness protection measures versus the extraction industries.

From the 19th century through the mid 20th, styles of tourism shifted from primarily spectator mode to participatory mode. This has led to too many people and too much trash (poop included) and changed the concept of the wilderness experience. Visitors tend to assume access to these volcanoes as an inalienable right.

Weltzien delves into the dilemma of mass access versus preservation and non-environmentally destructive behavior, perhaps suggesting the necessity of creating a quota system for moving through these areas and limiting climbing permits.

For those interested in wilderness protection, this book provides history and insights into the difficulties involved in preserving these national treasures, the Pacific Northwest volcanoes and in preserving the right of access for those seeking the special pleasures these volcanoes provide.

"What is the value of wilderness? Does it exist for the primary purpose of providing wealth or does its highest value come simply from its existence." (Source unknown)

O. Alan Weltzien is an English professor at the University of Montana Western in Dillon. He is editor of "The Norman MacLean Reader," a poet, avid climber and supporter of the Montana Wilderness Association.