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- Cosho Peak
8,339 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Cosho Peak
Cosho Peak is an 8,339 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Ragged Ridge Traverse and East Face: 17 mi, 6,300 ft of gain, Class 4.
Photo: Alex Ford, CC BY-SA 2.0
Cosho Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,339 ft2,541 m
- RouteRagged Ridge Traverse and East FaceClass 4
- Distance17 mi6,300 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Ragged Ridge Traverse and East Face
Park at the Easy Pass Trailhead near milepost 151 on SR 20 (a Northwest Forest Pass is required) and hike 3.6 mi to Easy Pass. Traverse cross-country to the camp basin below Mesahchie Peak, scramble to the 7,400 ft bench, and follow the long Ragged Ridge traverse past the Grotesque Gendarmes, where an exposed Class 4 ledge is the crux, then take a low ledge system south of Kimtah. Climb loose talus to the 7,830 ft saddle, cross a small snowfield, and scramble Class 3 rock on the upper east face. Plan 2 to 3 days; camping needs a North Cascades backcountry permit.
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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Remote location
Quests with Cosho Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Cosho Peak?
Cosho Peak is 8,339 feet (2,541 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Cosho Peak?
The Ragged Ridge Traverse and East Face is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 17 miles with 6,300 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Cosho Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Ragged Ridge Traverse and East Face, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Cosho 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 Cosho Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Ragged Ridge Traverse and East Face is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Cosho 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 Cosho 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