- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Washington 100 Highest
- Dumbell Mountain
8,415 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Dumbell Mountain
Dumbell Mountain is an 8,415 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southwest Face from Phelps Basin: 17 mi, 5,200 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 2.0
Dumbell Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,415 ft2,564 m
- RouteSouthwest Face from Phelps BasinClass 3
- Distance17 mi5,200 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southwest Face from Phelps Basin
From Lake Wenatchee, drive Chiwawa River Road (FR 6200) and FR 6211 to the Phelps Creek trailhead. Hike the Phelps Creek Trail through Spider Meadow into Phelps Basin, then climb north beside a creek on heather, slabs and long talus to the basin below Dumbell. A Class 3 scramble gains the west ridge. Snow lingers into July, so carry an ice axe. Circuit option: add Greenwood, about 18 mi and 5,800 ft. Chiwawa River Road is closed to cars beyond Atkinson Flat through 2027 and the Little Giant Fire area is closed through April 2027, so check current access. Fill out the free wilderness 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
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Snow near summit
- Remote location
Quests with Dumbell Mountain
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near Dumbell Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Dumbell Mountain?
Dumbell Mountain is 8,415 feet (2,564 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Dumbell Mountain?
The Southwest Face from Phelps Basin 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: 17 miles with 5,200 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Dumbell Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Face from Phelps Basin, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Dumbell Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock. 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 Dumbell Mountain?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southwest Face from Phelps Basin, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Dumbell Mountain?
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 Dumbell Mountain 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