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- Copper Peak
8,962 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Copper Peak
Copper Peak is an 8,962 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the East Face and North Ridge via Copper Basin: 8 mi, 5,800 ft of gain, Class 4.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 2.0
Copper Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,962 ft2,731 m
- RouteEast Face and North Ridge via Copper BasinClass 4
- Distance8 mi5,800 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the East Face and North Ridge via Copper Basin
Take the Lady of the Lake ferry up Lake Chelan to Lucerne and the bus to Holden Village. Storm damage has closed FR 8301 and the village to all foot and vehicle traffic through 2027, so this route is shut until it reopens. From the village, follow the tailings bypass and Copper Basin trail, ford the creek, and climb burned forest, moraine, slabs and snow gullies to the north side of the summit ridge. The ridge is exposed Class 3 to 4 on loose rock with an airy notch. Carry an ice axe for steep snow. 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
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Snow near summit
- Complex logistics
Quests with Copper Peak
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near Copper Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Copper Peak?
Copper Peak is 8,962 feet (2,731 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Copper Peak?
The East Face and North Ridge via Copper Basin is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 8 miles with 5,800 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Copper Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the East Face and North Ridge via Copper Basin, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Copper Peak 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 rope to climb Copper Peak?
Most parties bring one. The East Face and North Ridge via Copper Basin is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Copper Peak?
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 Copper 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