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- Horseshoe Peak
8,488 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Horseshoe Peak
Horseshoe Peak is an 8,488 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southwest Ridge via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe Basin: 19 mi, 7,500 ft of gain, Class 5.
Horseshoe Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,488 ft2,587 m
- RouteSouthwest Ridge via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe BasinClass 5
- Distance19 mi7,500 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southwest Ridge via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe Basin
From Marblemount, drive the Cascade River Road to the Cascade Pass Trailhead. Hike over Cascade Pass and up Sahale Arm to the Sahale Glacier camp, then descend steep snow and the southeast rib of Sahale into Horseshoe Basin. Traverse ledges to the snowfield under Horseshoe and the Lick of Flame, scramble a Class 3 gully to the ridge, and follow a narrow exposed ramp to a short, slightly overhanging fifth class move at the top. Bring a 60 m rope for the rappel and a small rack. Most parties take 2 days and need a North Cascades backcountry permit to camp.
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
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Horseshoe Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Horseshoe Peak?
Horseshoe Peak is 8,488 feet (2,587 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Horseshoe Peak?
The Southwest Ridge via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe Basin is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 19 miles with 7,500 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Horseshoe Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the Southwest Ridge via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe Basin, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Horseshoe Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, 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 Horseshoe Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Southwest Ridge via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe Basin is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Horseshoe Peak?
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 Horseshoe 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