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- Amphitheater Mountain
8,373 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Amphitheater Mountain
Amphitheater Mountain is an 8,373 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the West Slope: 35 mi, 6,300 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Maurice King, CC BY 2.0
Amphitheater Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,373 ft2,552 m
- RouteWest SlopeClass 2
- Distance35 mi6,300 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the West Slope
From Winthrop, drive the West Chewuch Road and FR 51 to the Andrews Creek trailhead. Hike 12 miles to Andrews Pass, descend past the Spanish Camp guard station, and climb the trail toward Upper Cathedral Lake. Below the lake, follow the trail around the west ridge to a boot path, then climb scree and grass northeast into the western amphitheater and walk south to the highest, south summit, Class 2 with a short mantle. Early season brings snow and cornices on the north rim. A Northwest Forest Pass or day pass is required to park; fill out the free wilderness permit. Combine with Cathedral Peak.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Loose rock
- Cornices
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Amphitheater Mountain
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Amphitheater Mountain?
Amphitheater Mountain is 8,373 feet (2,552 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to hike Amphitheater Mountain?
The West Slope is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 35 miles with 6,300 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Amphitheater Mountain?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the West Slope, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Amphitheater Mountain?
The West Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 35 miles with 6,300 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Amphitheater Mountain?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Amphitheater Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list