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- Cardinal Peak
8,595 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Cardinal Peak
Cardinal Peak is an 8,595 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Standard West Route: 19 mi, 4,900 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Laurel F, CC BY-SA 2.0
Cardinal Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,595 ft2,619 m
- RouteStandard West RouteClass 3
- Distance19 mi4,900 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysHard effort
- SeasonJul – Oct
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Standard West Route
From Entiat on US 97A, drive the Entiat River Road about 32 miles and North Fork Road 5606 to its end. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park. Hike North Fork Entiat Trail 1437 to the Pyramid Mountain Trail and a meadow camp west of the peak. Climb loose talus to the saddle between the north and middle summits, then Class 3 slabs and ledges to the middle summit most climbers stand on. A survey found the south spire about 7 inches higher; it needs a short low fifth class pitch. The Little Giant Fire closure shuts this road and trail through April 2027.
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
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- Remote location
Quests with Cardinal Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Cardinal Peak?
Cardinal Peak is 8,595 feet (2,619 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Cardinal Peak?
The Standard West Route 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: 19 miles with 4,900 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Cardinal Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Standard West Route, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Cardinal Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. 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 Cardinal Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Standard West Route, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Cardinal Peak?
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 Cardinal 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