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8,508 ft · Cascade Range, Washington

Martin Peak

Martin Peak is an 8,508 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the West Ridge: 14 mi, 5,300 ft of gain, Class 4.

Martin Peak at a glance

  • Elevation8,508 ft2,593 m
  • RouteWest RidgeClass 4
  • Distance14 mi5,300 ft gain
  • Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeCascade RangeWashington

Climbing the West Ridge

Take the Lady of the Lake to Lucerne and the Holden Village bus up Railroad Creek Road (FSR 8301), then walk to the Holden Ballpark trailhead. FSR 8301 is closed to all travel through 2027 after storm damage, so confirm access first. Follow the Holden Lake Trail and a climbers path to camp at Holden Pass, then head east onto the West Ridge. Expect Class 4 scrambling on very loose rock, with easier ground on the south side and an exposed Class 4 gully below the top. Bring a helmet and a short rope for rappels. Fill out the free 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
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Rope
  • Belay Device
  • Carabiners

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • Rockfall
  • Steep exposure
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Remote location

Quests with Martin Peak

Peaks near Martin Peak

  1. Glacier Peak

    Glacier Peak

    10,541 ft · 16.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Martin Peak?

Martin Peak is 8,508 feet (2,593 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.

How hard is it to climb Martin Peak?

The West Ridge is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 14 miles with 5,300 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Martin Peak?

Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the West Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Martin 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 Martin Peak?

Most parties bring one. The West Ridge is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.

When is the best time to climb Martin 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 Martin 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