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- Washington 100 Highest
- Emerald Peak
8,415 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Emerald Peak
Emerald Peak is an 8,415 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the West Route: 19 mi, 4,700 ft of gain, Class 3.
Emerald Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,415 ft2,564 m
- RouteWest RouteClass 3
- Distance19 mi4,700 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysHard effort
- SeasonJul – Oct
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the West Route
From Entiat on US 97A, drive the Entiat River Road about 32 miles and North Fork Road 5606 to its end. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park. Hike North Fork Entiat Trail 1437 to the Pyramid Mountain Trail and the meadow camp south of the peak. Head north toward the Emerald-Saska ridge, climb scree toward a notch on the Northwest Ridge, then cut right into a gully that ends between the twin summits; the north top is higher (Class 3, exposed). Watch for loose rock in the gully. Fill out the free wilderness permit. The Little Giant Fire closure shuts this road and trail through April 2027.
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
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- Remote location
Quests with Emerald Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Emerald Peak?
Emerald Peak is 8,415 feet (2,564 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Emerald Peak?
The West Route 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: 19 miles with 4,700 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Emerald Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the West Route, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Emerald Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and 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 Emerald Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the West Route, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Emerald Peak?
The usual climbing window is July to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Emerald 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