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- Fortress Mountain
8,679 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Fortress Mountain
Fortress Mountain is an 8,679 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southwest Route via Pass No Pass: 22 mi, 6,100 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 2.0
Fortress Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,679 ft2,645 m
- RouteSouthwest Route via Pass No PassClass 3
- Distance22 mi6,100 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southwest Route via Pass No Pass
From Lake Wenatchee, drive Chiwawa River Road (FR 6200) to its end at Trinity. Hike the Buck Creek Trail about 9 miles, take a boot path just before Buck Creek Pass toward Pass No Pass, then climb steep heather south of the west ridge, pass under a spire, and pick a line up loose Class 2 to 3 rock to the summit ridge. Wear a helmet. 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. Trinity takes a Northwest Forest Pass, and you 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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Insects
- Remote location
Quests with Fortress Mountain
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near Fortress Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Fortress Mountain?
Fortress Mountain is 8,679 feet (2,645 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Fortress Mountain?
The Southwest Route via Pass No Pass 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: 22 miles with 6,100 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Fortress Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Route via Pass No Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Fortress 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 Fortress Mountain?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southwest Route via Pass No Pass, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Fortress 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 Fortress 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