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- Dark Peak
8,518 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Dark Peak
Dark Peak is an 8,518 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Dark Glacier via Swamp Creek: 28 mi, 8,200 ft of gain, Class 3.
Dark Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,518 ft2,596 m
- RouteDark Glacier via Swamp CreekClass 3
- Distance28 mi8,200 ft gain
- Time3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Dark Glacier via Swamp Creek
Ride the Lady of the Lake to Stehekin and the shuttle up the Stehekin Valley Road to High Bridge. In 2026 the Sisi Fire closed the road past Stehekin Valley Ranch plus the Agnes Creek and Swamp Creek trails, so check status first. Hike the Agnes Creek Trail (PCT) to Swamp Creek Camp, follow the faint abandoned Swamp Creek Trail, and fight alder up to the basins below the Dark Glacier. Rope up for the crevassed glacier, then scramble exposed, loose Class 2 to 3 rock to the top. Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead and plan 3 days.
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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Remote location
Quests with Dark Peak
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near Dark Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Dark Peak?
Dark Peak is 8,518 feet (2,596 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Dark Peak?
The Dark Glacier via Swamp Creek 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: 28 miles with 8,200 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Dark Peak?
Most climbers plan 3 days for the Dark Glacier via Swamp Creek, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Dark Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Dark Peak?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Dark Glacier via Swamp Creek, 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 Dark 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 Dark 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