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- Chiwawa Mountain
8,456 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Chiwawa Mountain
Chiwawa Mountain is an 8,456 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Chiwawa Basin and Southwest Slope: 19 mi, 6,340 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 2.0
Chiwawa Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,456 ft2,577 m
- RouteChiwawa Basin and Southwest SlopeClass 2
- Distance19 mi6,340 ft gain
- Time2 daysHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Chiwawa Basin and Southwest Slope
From Lake Wenatchee, follow Chiwawa River Road (FR 6200) to its end at Trinity. Take the Buck Creek Trail to the Chiwawa River Trail, overgrown on the way to a meadow camp near 4,800 feet. Climb a ridge path and a steep narrow gully into the upper basin, aim for the 7,200-foot saddle with Fortress, then grind up loose rock around the north side to the top (Class 2). Chiwawa River Road is closed to cars beyond Atkinson Flat through 2027 and the Little Giant Fire area is closed through April 2027, so check current access. Trinity takes a Northwest Forest Pass; fill out the free wilderness permit there.
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
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- Slippery terrain
Quests with Chiwawa Mountain
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near Chiwawa Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Chiwawa Mountain?
Chiwawa Mountain is 8,456 feet (2,577 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to hike Chiwawa Mountain?
The Chiwawa Basin and Southwest Slope is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 19 miles with 6,340 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Chiwawa Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the Chiwawa Basin and Southwest Slope, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Chiwawa Mountain?
The Chiwawa Basin and Southwest Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 19 miles with 6,340 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 Chiwawa 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 Chiwawa 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