- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Washington 100 Highest
- Monument Peak
8,601 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Monument Peak
Monument Peak is an 8,601 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge: 31 mi, 10,800 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 2.0
Monument Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,601 ft2,621 m
- RouteSoutheast RidgeClass 3
- Distance31 mi10,800 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Oct
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southeast Ridge
From Mazama, drive Lost River Road to the Monument Creek trailhead where the pavement ends. Follow the Lost River trail about 4 miles, cross the Eureka Creek bridge, then climb the long, faint Pistol Ridge trail to Pistol Pass and drop to camp at Lake of the Woods. Cross the saddle south of Lake Mountain into the Monument basin, find the treed ramp through the long east-side cliff band, and follow the southeast ridge to a loose final step, Class 3. Carry water for the dry ridge climb and expect deadfall. Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead. Circuit option: Monument and Lake, 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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Remote location
- Dry conditions
Quests with Monument Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Monument Peak?
Monument Peak is 8,601 feet (2,621 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Monument Peak?
The Southeast 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: 31 miles with 10,800 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Monument Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southeast Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Monument Peak 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 Monument Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southeast Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Monument Peak?
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 Monument 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