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- Katsuk Peak
8,673 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Katsuk Peak
Katsuk Peak is an 8,673 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the South Spur and East Ridge: 15 mi, 8,100 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Ron Clausen, CC BY-SA 4.0
Katsuk Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,673 ft2,643 m
- RouteSouth Spur and East RidgeClass 3
- Distance15 mi8,100 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the South Spur and East Ridge
From Marblemount, drive SR 20 east to the Easy Pass trailhead near milepost 151. Hike over Easy Pass, descend Fisher Creek to about 5,000 feet past Fisher Camp, and climb steep grass and stream crossings to the basin near 6,600 feet below Mesahchie and Katsuk. Follow the south spur toward the east ridge and scramble a maze of ribs and gullies to the east summit, the high point (Class 3 with a few harder steps). Snow lingers in the upper gully into August. Circuit option: add Mesahchie from the shared col. A Northwest Forest Pass is required, and camping needs a North Cascades backcountry permit.
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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Remote location
Quests with Katsuk Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Katsuk Peak?
Katsuk Peak is 8,673 feet (2,643 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Katsuk Peak?
The South Spur and East Ridge 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: 15 miles with 8,100 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Katsuk Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the South Spur and East Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Katsuk 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 helmet for Katsuk Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Spur and East Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Katsuk 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 Katsuk 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