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- Jack Mountain
9,080 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Jack Mountain
Jack Mountain is a 9,080 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the South Face via Crater Mountain: 24 mi, 11,500 ft of gain, Class 4.
Jack Mountain at a glance
- Elevation9,080 ft2,767 m
- RouteSouth Face via Crater MountainClass 4
- Distance24 mi11,500 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the South Face via Crater Mountain
From Marblemount, drive SR 20 east about 33 miles to the Canyon Creek trailhead. The Canyon Creek bridge is out, so ford or find a log, then climb the Crater Mountain trail's long switchbacks toward Crater Lake. Go over the 7,200-ft saddle east of Crater Mountain, cross the shrinking Jerry Glacier, camp at Jerry Lakes, and drop into upper Crater Creek. The South Face is Class 4 on loose, exposed ledges and gullies, and one rappel is common. Most parties take three days. A Northwest Forest Pass is needed to park; fill out the free Pasayten 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
Mountaineering Boots
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
Glacier Glasses
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Steep exposure
- Stream crossing
- Glacier travel
Quests with Jack Mountain
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Jack Mountain?
Jack Mountain is 9,080 feet (2,767 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Jack Mountain?
The South Face via Crater Mountain is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 24 miles with 11,500 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Jack Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Face via Crater Mountain, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Jack Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Jack Mountain?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the South Face via Crater Mountain, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
When is the best time to climb Jack 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 Jack 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