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- Golden Horn
8,418 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Golden Horn
Golden Horn is an 8,418 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southwest Route: 25 mi, 5,100 ft of gain, Class 5.
Photo: Ron Clausen, CC BY-SA 4.0
Golden Horn at a glance
- Elevation8,418 ft2,565 m
- RouteSouthwest RouteClass 5
- Distance25 mi5,100 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southwest Route
From Winthrop, drive SR 20 west about 35 miles to Rainy Pass and turn north to the PCT trailhead. Hike the PCT over Cutthroat and Granite passes to the Snowy Lakes spur trail and camp at the upper lake. Angle northwest up scree and open slopes to the ridge, follow it toward the peak, and wrap onto the southwest side, where the left-hand gully leads to the summit block. The last few moves are low fifth class with big exposure, so bring a short rope for a belay and the rappel. Snow past Granite Pass can last into August. Tower Mountain is often added. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park.
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
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Technical climbing
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Remote location
Quests with Golden Horn
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Golden Horn?
Golden Horn is 8,418 feet (2,565 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Golden Horn?
The Southwest Route is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 25 miles with 5,100 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Golden Horn?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Route, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Golden Horn 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 rope to climb Golden Horn?
Most parties bring one. The Southwest Route is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Golden Horn?
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 Golden Horn 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