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- Cannon Mountain
8,642 ft · Stuart Range, Washington
Cannon Mountain
Cannon Mountain is an 8,642 ft peak in the Stuart Range, Washington. The standard route is the Coney Lake and Druid Plateau: 12 mi, 5,238 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 2.0
Cannon Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,642 ft2,634 m
- RouteConey Lake and Druid PlateauClass 3
- Distance12 mi5,238 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Oct
- RangeStuart RangeWashington
Climbing the Coney Lake and Druid Plateau
From Leavenworth, take Icicle Creek Road and Eightmile Road (FR 7601) to the Stuart Lake trailhead, gated from about November to May. There is no trail. Follow the abandoned road northeast from the lot to a big landslide, then bushwhack up steep burned slopes and deadfall to the ridge above Coney Lake and descend a loose couloir to the lake. Climb the gully at the southwest end of the lake onto Druid Plateau and scramble the ridge to the summit boulder, a short friction slab (Class 3). Expect brush and few cairns. A Northwest Forest Pass is required and you fill out the free day-use permit at the trailhead.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
Quests with Cannon Mountain
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near Cannon Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Cannon Mountain?
Cannon Mountain is 8,642 feet (2,634 m) tall. It is in the Stuart Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Cannon Mountain?
The Coney Lake and Druid Plateau is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 5,238 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Cannon Mountain?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Coney Lake and Druid Plateau, covering 12 miles with 5,238 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Cannon Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, 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 Cannon Mountain?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Coney Lake and Druid Plateau, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Cannon Mountain?
The usual climbing window is July to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Cannon 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