- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Washington 100 Highest
- Lost Peak
8,468 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Lost Peak
Lost Peak is an 8,468 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge via Butte Pass: 46 mi, 8,800 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Eggbones, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lost Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,468 ft2,581 m
- RouteNorthwest Ridge via Butte PassClass 2
- Distance46 mi8,800 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Northwest Ridge via Butte Pass
From Mazama, drive Harts Pass Road (FR 5400) past Harts Pass to the Slate Pass trailhead. Hike the Middle Fork Pasayten trail, climb over Rolo Pass, and continue up Eureka Creek to camp in Shellrock Basin. Cross Shellrock Pass, drop to the Monument Creek trail, and follow it to Butte Pass. Leave the trail and follow the barren ridge east over Pass Butte and two high points to Lost's northwest ridge, Class 2, skirting the scree to the south. Shorter option: Monument Creek trail and Lost's loose southwest slopes. The approach burned in 2026, so check trail status. Fill out the free wilderness 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
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Isolation
- Loose rock
- High winds
Quests with Lost Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Lost Peak?
Lost Peak is 8,468 feet (2,581 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to hike Lost Peak?
The Northwest Ridge via Butte Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 46 miles with 8,800 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Lost Peak?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the Northwest Ridge via Butte Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Lost Peak?
The Northwest Ridge via Butte Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 46 miles with 8,800 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Lost Peak?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Lost 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