Washington peaks

3,515 peaks

Highest peak

Mount Rainier

14,411 ft / 4,392 m

Most summited peak

Mount Si

269 summits

Most prominent peak

Mount Rainier

13,212 ft / 4,027 m prom

Washington summits

7,656 summits

First Ascent Awards

1346 of 3,515 peaks 38%

Top climbing months

July 18%

August 15%

June 14%

Washington mountains highlights

  • Washington is the epicenter of mountaineering in the lower 48 US states with more technical and glacier ascents than anywhere else outside of Alaska.
  • The rugged, volcanic Cascade Range runs north-south across the state with hundreds of major peaks including Mt. Rainier (Washington's highest peak and the only US 14er outside of Colorado, California, and Alaska), Mt. Adams, Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, Glacier Peak, and Mt. St. Helens of 1980 eruption fame. The Pacific Crest Trail passes 500 miles along the length of the range across Washington on its way to the Canadian border
  • The Olympic Mountains in the Olympic Peninsula of western Washington only rise up shy of 8,000 ft but look much higher because they lie only 12 to 22 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The western slope of the range is the wettest place in the US.
  • Washington has 3 mountain-centric National Parks: Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park. All 3 lie within a couple hours drive of the Seattle metro area.
  • Get away from the crowds and head to the North Cascades, a particularly rugged and vertical part of the Cascades with a multitude of incredible peaks to climb.
  • Over 4 million acres of mountainous wilderness areas protect vast trail networks leading to a lifetime of peaks to climb. An incredible place to explore.
"Finally reached the summit of this short but somewhat difficult peak. Hiked in via the Duckabush River Trail, then left the trail at the saddle between Mt. Jupiter and Big Hump, bushwhacking south, which required about 15 minutes of fallen tree gymnastics, route-finding, and sketchy class 2-3 scrambling up large, mossy domes to reach the summit. Would recommend following the small alder-filled NE valley or NE ridgeline that goes directly to the top. Overall rating 6/10, amazing 360 degree summit views for the determined adventurer, but not worth the extra bushwhacking and sketchy climbing from the lower viewpoints, which have good enough views." — MountainQuest • Feb 28, 2021
"Gate was closed at junction of Pleasant Valley Rd and NF-74. Ran up the road to the turn off on forest road 075, which is tank-trapped. Couldn't really run from there due to the number of down trees and the trailing blackberry vines/trip wires. About a foot of snow on the roads on the north side of Quiemuth, so I wrapped around to the SW-ridge for easier footing. " — TynanRammGranberg • Feb 27, 2021
"Opted for an afternoon conditioner up the Cable Line route up West Tiger #3 this afternoon. The trail is muddy and slippery. After one mile in, there is persistent compact snow. I advise bringing poles and microspikes - they will make the last half mile much faster and the descent safer. I donned my spikes only after reaching the summit and wished I had them on for the last push as the going was slower due to increased caution at less than perfect purchase with my trail runners. Note that there are a handful of blowdowns, but nothing creating any measurable obstacles." — markhadland • Feb 27, 2021
"2/20/2021 - Arrived at the May Valley Road trailhead at 8:45 AM. There were about 12 or so vehicles in the lot. I took the May Valley Loop trail up to Debbie's view. Then across West Peak, the Fireplace, Central Peak and down the access road back to the May Valley TH. Overall, trail conditions ranged from dry/fine to downright muddy in spots. I saw what appeared to be some recent WTA work party improvements at several locations; very fine work! The snow pack on the peaks is just a trace; at the fireplace, there were about 2" of snow. No major blowdown blockages to speak of. I work gore tex trail runners and slipped on some yak trax at points, i.e. boots are not mandatory. Upon returning to the TH thee must have been 70 cars or more; parked in all available spaces. Distance: 7.89 miles Time: 3hrs 8 mins Ascent: 1,654' Weather: 45F below - ~upper 30ies at the top. Showers with sleet and snow flurries. " — MosquitoFood • Feb 20, 2021
"Been to the Vista Point, which most consider the summit, multiple times over the years, but only recently realized that this wasn't the highest point. Hiked the long but somewhat scenic Wildcat Trail to the Vista Point, then walked south on the gated access road to reach the true summit, a rock outcrop just outside the fence of the cell tower. Overall rating 6/10, a worthwhile hike with good views in the off season, and definitely a must for any mountain fans in Kitsap County." — MountainQuest • Feb 8, 2021

Popular Washington mountains