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- Lake Mountain
8,375 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Lake Mountain
Lake Mountain is an 8,375 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the East Face from Lake of the Woods: 26 mi, 7,600 ft of gain, Class 3.
Lake Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,375 ft2,552 m
- RouteEast Face from Lake of the WoodsClass 3
- Distance26 mi7,600 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Oct
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the East Face from Lake of the Woods
From Mazama, drive Lost River Road to the Monument Creek trailhead where the pavement ends. Walk the flat Lost River trail about 4 miles to the Eureka Creek bridge (rebuilt in 2022), then switchback up Pistol Ridge on a long, dry trail, traverse below Pistol Peaks, and cross Pistol Pass to camp at Lake of the Woods. From the lake, boulder-hop and climb meadows to the east face and ridge, solid Class 2-3 granite blocks to the top. Fill water at the river or lake, since there is little between. Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead. Circuit option: Lake and Monument, about 31 mi / 13,200 ft.
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
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Dry conditions
- Remote location
Quests with Lake Mountain
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Lake Mountain?
Lake Mountain is 8,375 feet (2,552 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Lake Mountain?
The East Face from Lake of the Woods 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: 26 miles with 7,600 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Lake Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the East Face from Lake of the Woods, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Lake Mountain 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 helmet for Lake Mountain?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the East Face from Lake of the Woods, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Lake Mountain?
The usual climbing window is July to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Lake 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