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- Azurite Peak
8,439 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Azurite Peak
Azurite Peak is an 8,439 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the South Ridge from Azurite Pass: 25 mi, 6,700 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 2.0
Azurite Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,439 ft2,572 m
- RouteSouth Ridge from Azurite PassClass 3
- Distance25 mi6,700 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the South Ridge from Azurite Pass
From Winthrop, drive SR 20 to Mazama, then Lost River Road and Harts Pass Road 5400 to the Rattlesnake trailhead past River Bend Campground. Hike the brushy West Fork Methow Trail about 8 miles to the PCT, go south about 1.5 miles to Horse Heaven, and follow the faint, abandoned Mill Creek Trail across Jet Creek to Azurite Pass. Climb the south ridge, then traverse cairned ribs and sandy slopes to a narrow gully and loose Class 3 scrambling to the top. Flood damage has cut road access near River Bend, so check first; the PCT from Rainy Pass is a longer option. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- Snow near summit
Quests with Azurite Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Azurite Peak?
Azurite Peak is 8,439 feet (2,572 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Azurite Peak?
The South Ridge from Azurite Pass is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 25 miles with 6,700 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Azurite Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Ridge from Azurite Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Azurite Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Azurite Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Ridge from Azurite Pass, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Azurite Peak?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Azurite Peak 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