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- Mesahchie Peak
8,756 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Mesahchie Peak
Mesahchie Peak is an 8,756 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the South Rib: 16 mi, 8,200 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Ron Clausen, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mesahchie Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,756 ft2,668 m
- RouteSouth RibClass 3
- Distance16 mi8,200 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the South Rib
From Marblemount, drive SR 20 east to the Easy Pass trailhead near milepost 151. Climb the Easy Pass Trail to the pass, drop about 1,500 feet toward Fisher Camp, and leave the trail half a mile past camp to climb steep heather and cliff bands to a 6,700-foot step at the base of the South Rib. The rib is sustained, exposed Class 3 on fair rock, but the upper peak is a maze of gullies, and wet lichen turns slick. A rough high traverse west from the pass is an alternative. A Northwest Forest Pass is required, and camping needs a North Cascades backcountry permit; reserve ahead.
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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Slippery terrain
- Remote location
Quests with Mesahchie Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mesahchie Peak?
Mesahchie Peak is 8,756 feet (2,668 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Mesahchie Peak?
The South Rib 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: 16 miles with 8,200 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mesahchie Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the South Rib, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mesahchie 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 Mesahchie Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Rib, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Mesahchie 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 Mesahchie 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