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- Clark Mountain
8,584 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Clark Mountain
Clark Mountain is an 8,584 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Walrus Glacier: 25 mi, 6,700 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 2.0
Clark Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,584 ft2,616 m
- RouteWalrus GlacierClass 3
- Distance25 mi6,700 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Walrus Glacier
From Lake Wenatchee, drive White River Road (FR 6400) to its end at the White River trailhead; the Forest Service reports washouts and sinkholes, so check conditions first. Walk the flat White River Trail 4 miles, then climb the Boulder Creek Trail to camps below Boulder Pass, with a ford near 4,000 feet. Traverse east to the Walrus Glacier, rope up through crevasses to the 8,000-foot col, and finish on Class 2 to 3 rock. Bugs are fierce in July. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park, and you fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead.
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
Mountaineering Boots
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
Glacier Glasses
What to watch for
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Stream crossing
- Insects
- Loose rock
Quests with Clark Mountain
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near Clark Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Clark Mountain?
Clark Mountain is 8,584 feet (2,616 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Clark Mountain?
The Walrus Glacier 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 Clark Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Walrus Glacier, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Clark Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Clark Mountain?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Walrus Glacier, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
When is the best time to climb Clark 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 Clark 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