Washington may be the peak scrambling capital of the US, and this challenge is the definitive collection of the best scrambles in the state. Based closely on Peggy Goldman's excellent book 'Washington Scrambles', 2nd Edition'. Pick up a copy here, wait for some dry conditions, and start scramblin': http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/Washington-Scrambles-P1253.aspx
Highest peak
Mount Adams
12,276 ft / 3,741 m
Most prominent peak
Mount Adams
8,116 ft / 2,473 m prom
Most summited peak
Mount Saint Helens
225 summits
Most difficult peak
Dragontail Peak
Class 2
Difficulty breakdown
Class 1/2 3 peaks
Class 3/4 2 peaks
Highlights
Latest summits
"If using the ptarmigan route in winter Definitely follow the valley up to the left. Once you’re in the Boulder field not the ridge after weather station continue up to rejoin with the worm trail." — WanderingHutch • Jan 1, 2024
"Trail is actually decent relative to a mountaineering route. No snow. No helmet needed. No climbing. Don’t miss the notch just before the summit ridge either. Our down route is the one to follow. Up route we got off path multiple times. W Luke" — castrode • Aug 24, 2023
"Midnight start from Seattle to beat the heat. AK and I arrived at the TH ~3:30am and were on the trail before 4, headlamps through the oddly quiet forest. The only animals I saw were bats eating bugs in front of my headlamp - close enough to feel the wind from their wings. :)
Early dawn was spent climbing boulders, fun - but the most tedious part imo. Sunup came as we took Monitor Ridge and with the sun came a lot of wind by the time we were at the weather station. Ash in my eyes was a bit of a problem, but mainly bc I left my sunglasses in the car. The final steep scree/ashy section went quickly, and we were on the crater rim.
Up there it was immediately apparent that this was the most unique looking mountain I've ever come across. Heavy steam rose from the crater's center mound, rock falls into the crater were frequent and spectacular, and we heard an odd rumble that we couldn't explain. Lasting for 30 seconds - a minute at a time. Was it the glacier moving? Was it the volcano brewing? No clue! But it was incredible. Highly recommend this climb." — zachmitch • Aug 4, 2023
"A cool side trip. Climbed this one at the beginning of the Bailey Range Traverse, dropped our packs at the top of the ridge above the catwalk and more or less followed the ridgeline all the way to the top of Cat, which was far longer and more difficult than expected but still Class 2. Overall rating 7/10, great views and worth the detour if you have the time and energy" — MountainQuest • Jul 28, 2023
"Got a climb with my good buddies Spud, B, and new bud Jeremy. Nice to be back in the mountains. Found some steepish snow near the ridgeline and a good scramble over to the true summit. Super fun glissade on the way out." — MatthewWinterberg • May 29, 2023