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- Kimtah Peak
8,615 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Kimtah Peak
Kimtah Peak is an 8,615 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Ragged Ridge Traverse and South Gully: 15 mi, 5,900 ft of gain, Class 4.
Photo: Alex Ford, CC BY-SA 2.0
Kimtah Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,615 ft2,625 m
- RouteRagged Ridge Traverse and South GullyClass 4
- Distance15 mi5,900 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Ragged Ridge Traverse and South Gully
Park at the Easy Pass Trailhead near milepost 151 on SR 20 (a Northwest Forest Pass is required) and hike 3.6 mi to Easy Pass. Traverse cross-country west around 6,600 to 6,800 ft to a camp basin below Mesahchie Peak, then scramble Class 4 ribs to a bench near 7,400 ft and cross a maze of gullies toward the Grotesque Gendarmes, where a short exposed Class 4 ledge is the crux. A solid Class 3 gully leads to the summit. Route-finding is constant and water gets scarce late season. Most parties take 2 to 3 days, 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
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Remote location
Quests with Kimtah Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Kimtah Peak?
Kimtah Peak is 8,615 feet (2,625 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Kimtah Peak?
The Ragged Ridge Traverse and South Gully is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 15 miles with 5,900 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Kimtah Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Ragged Ridge Traverse and South Gully, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Kimtah 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 Kimtah Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Ragged Ridge Traverse and South Gully is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Kimtah 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 Kimtah 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