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- Courtney Peak
8,391 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Courtney Peak
Courtney Peak is an 8,391 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge: 17 mi, 4,700 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 2.0
Courtney Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,391 ft2,557 m
- RouteSoutheast RidgeClass 2
- Distance17 mi4,700 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Oct
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southeast Ridge
From Twisp, drive Twisp River Road and East Buttermilk Road 43, then spur 4300-500 to the West Fork Buttermilk trailhead. Hike Trail 411 for about 7.4 miles to Fish Creek Pass, then leave the trail and scramble northwest up the obvious Southeast Ridge, Class 2 with a few 2+ moves on rock near the top. A faint climbers path helps on the ridge. Expect blowdown on the trail and a log or wade crossing of the creek near the start. It works as a long day hike or an easy overnight at Star Lake, with Star Peak close by. 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
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Stream crossing
- High winds
Quests with Courtney Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Courtney Peak?
Courtney Peak is 8,391 feet (2,557 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to hike Courtney Peak?
The Southeast Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 17 miles with 4,700 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Courtney Peak?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Southeast Ridge, covering 17 miles with 4,700 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Courtney Peak?
The Southeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 17 miles with 4,700 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 Courtney Peak?
The usual hiking window is July to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Courtney 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