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- Hard Mox
8,506 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Hard Mox
Hard Mox is an 8,506 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southwest Route from Col of the Wild: 23 mi, 9,000 ft of gain, Class 5.
Hard Mox at a glance
- Elevation8,506 ft2,592 m
- RouteSouthwest Route from Col of the WildClass 5
- Distance23 mi9,000 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southwest Route from Col of the Wild
From Chilliwack, BC, drive Chilliwack Lake Road to Depot Creek Road, park at the gate, and walk to the border and up Depot Creek to Ouzel Lake. Cross the Redoubt Glacier to the Col of the Wild between the spires, scramble Class 3-4 ledges over the Ridge of Gendarmes, rappel a snow gully, and climb the rightmost loose gully to a notch. Three pitches (crux 5.5) reach the SE spire's top. Rockfall in the gullies is the main danger. US law requires entering at a port of entry, which this walk-in skips. A North Cascades backcountry permit is required; get it at the Marblemount Wilderness Information Center.
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
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Complex logistics
Quests with Hard Mox
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Hard Mox?
Hard Mox is 8,506 feet (2,592 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Hard Mox?
The Southwest Route from Col of the Wild is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 23 miles with 9,000 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Hard Mox?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the Southwest Route from Col of the Wild, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Hard Mox dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: 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 rope to climb Hard Mox?
Most parties bring one. The Southwest Route from Col of the Wild is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Hard Mox?
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 Hard Mox 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