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8,831 ft · Stuart Range, Washington

Dragontail Peak

Dragontail Peak is an 8,831 ft peak in the Stuart Range, Washington. The standard route is the Aasgard Pass and East Ridge: 13 mi, 5,833 ft of gain, Class 3.

Dragontail Peak in the Stuart Range, Washington

Dragontail Peak at a glance

  • Elevation8,831 ft2,691 m
  • RouteAasgard Pass and East RidgeClass 3
  • Distance13 mi5,833 ft gain
  • Time12 – 14 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeStuart RangeWashington

Climbing the Aasgard Pass and East Ridge

From Leavenworth, drive Icicle Creek Road about 8.5 miles and turn left on bumpy Eightmile Road (FR 7601) to the Stuart Lake trailhead, gated from about November to May. Hike 4 miles to Colchuck Lake, cross the boulders at its south end, and climb the steep cairned path up Aasgard Pass. From the pass, cross the snowfield southwest to the saddle on the east ridge, then scramble easy Class 3 rock to the top. The upper snow stays steep into summer, so carry an ice axe. A Northwest Forest Pass is required and you fill out the free day-use permit at the trailhead. Camping needs an Enchantment permit.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 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

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • Snow near summit
  • Steep exposure
  • Rockfall
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Dragontail Peak

Peaks near Dragontail Peak

  1. Mount Stuart

    Mount Stuart

    9,415 ft · 3.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Dragontail Peak?

Dragontail Peak is 8,831 feet (2,691 m) tall. It is in the Stuart Range, Washington.

How hard is it to climb Dragontail Peak?

The Aasgard Pass and East Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 5,833 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Dragontail Peak?

Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Aasgard Pass and East Ridge, covering 13 miles with 5,833 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Dragontail 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 helmet for Dragontail Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Aasgard Pass and East Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to climb Dragontail Peak?

The usual climbing window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Dragontail 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