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- Blackcap Mountain
8,403 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Blackcap Mountain
Blackcap Mountain is an 8,403 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge from Shellrock Pass: 36 mi, 6,900 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: jessicadally, CC BY-SA 2.0
Blackcap Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,403 ft2,561 m
- RouteNortheast Ridge from Shellrock PassClass 3
- Distance36 mi6,900 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Northeast Ridge from Shellrock Pass
From Mazama, drive Harts Pass Road (FR 5400) past Harts Pass to the Slate Pass trailhead. Hike the Middle Fork Pasayten trail about 9 miles, climb past Freds Lake over Rolo Pass, and follow the faint Eureka Creek trail to camp in Shellrock Basin. Climb toward Shellrock Pass, traverse south below cliffs to the saddle east of the peak, then scramble the narrow, airy northeast ridge, Class 3. Just below the summit block, slip onto the north side where it eases. The approach burned in 2026, so check trail status. Fill out the free wilderness permit. Circuit option: Lago, Carru and Blackcap, 35 mi / 13,300 ft.
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
- Knife-edge ridge
- Loose rock
- Remote location
- High winds
Quests with Blackcap Mountain
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Blackcap Mountain?
Blackcap Mountain is 8,403 feet (2,561 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Blackcap Mountain?
The Northeast Ridge from Shellrock 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: 36 miles with 6,900 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Blackcap Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Northeast Ridge from Shellrock Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Blackcap Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. 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 Blackcap Mountain?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Northeast Ridge from Shellrock Pass, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Blackcap Mountain?
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 Blackcap 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