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- Washington 100 Highest
- Mount Buckner
9,112 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Mount Buckner
Mount Buckner is a 9,112 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southwest Route via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe Basin: 20 mi, 8,100 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mount Buckner at a glance
- Elevation9,112 ft2,777 m
- RouteSouthwest Route via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe BasinClass 3
- Distance20 mi8,100 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southwest Route via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe Basin
From Marblemount, drive the Cascade River Road to its end at the Cascade Pass Trailhead. Hike over Cascade Pass and up Sahale Arm to the Sahale Glacier camp, then descend steep snow and the loose southeast rib of Sahale (one short Class 4 step) into upper Horseshoe Basin. Cross ledges past old mine debris to the southwest face and climb a snow or scree gully to the south ridge for a short Class 3 scramble; the southwest summit is the high point. Steep snow lingers into August. Most parties take 2 to 3 days and need a North Cascades backcountry permit to camp.
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
- Rockfall
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
- Snow near summit
Quests with Mount Buckner
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Buckner?
Mount Buckner is 9,112 feet (2,777 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Mount Buckner?
The Southwest Route via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe Basin 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: 20 miles with 8,100 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Buckner?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Route via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe Basin, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Buckner 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 Mount Buckner?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southwest Route via Sahale Arm and Horseshoe Basin, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Mount Buckner?
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 Mount Buckner 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