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- Mount Carru
8,607 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Mount Carru
Mount Carru is an 8,607 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge: 30 mi, 7,900 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Eggbones, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mount Carru at a glance
- Elevation8,607 ft2,623 m
- RouteSoutheast RidgeClass 3
- Distance30 mi7,900 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southeast Ridge
From Mazama, take Harts Pass Road (FR 5400, narrow, no trailers) past Harts Pass to the Slate Pass trailhead. Descend the Middle Fork Pasayten trail about 9 miles to Berk Creek, climb past Freds Lake over Rolo Pass, and drop toward the Eureka Creek crossing. Climb the forest and the avalanche gully below the Lago-Carru col, scramble through small cliffs, then turn left up the southeast ridge on loose Class 3 rock. Wear a helmet. The approach burned in 2026, so check trail status first. Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead. Circuit option: Lago, Carru and Osceola, 37 mi / 10,500 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
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- Rockfall
Quests with Mount Carru
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Carru?
Mount Carru is 8,607 feet (2,623 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Mount Carru?
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: 30 miles with 7,900 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Carru?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southeast Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Carru 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 Mount Carru?
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 Mount Carru?
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 Carru 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