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- McClellan Peak
8,364 ft · Stuart Range, Washington
McClellan Peak
McClellan Peak is an 8,364 ft peak in the Stuart Range, Washington. The standard route is the North Face and West Ridge: 24 mi, 8,000 ft of gain, Class 3.
McClellan Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,364 ft2,549 m
- RouteNorth Face and West RidgeClass 3
- Distance24 mi8,000 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeStuart RangeWashington
Climbing the North Face and West Ridge
From Leavenworth, drive Icicle Creek Road about 4.3 miles to the Snow Lakes trailhead on the left. Climb the Snow Lakes Trail past Nada Lake to Snow Lakes, then take the rough route up to Lake Viviane in the Lower Enchantments. Near Leprechaun Lake, leave the trail and climb slabs, boulders and a gully beside the rib with the Prong to the west ridge, then walk east and scramble the southeast side of the summit block (Class 3). Snow fills the gully into July, so bring an axe and crampons early. A Northwest Forest Pass is required, and camping at Snow Lakes needs an Enchantment permit from the late-winter lottery.
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
- Snow near summit
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with McClellan Peak
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near McClellan Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is McClellan Peak?
McClellan Peak is 8,364 feet (2,549 m) tall. It is in the Stuart Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb McClellan Peak?
The North Face and West 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: 24 miles with 8,000 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb McClellan Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the North Face and West Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is McClellan 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 McClellan Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the North Face and West Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb McClellan Peak?
The usual climbing window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb McClellan 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