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- Mount Fernow
9,245 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Mount Fernow
Mount Fernow is a 9,245 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southwest Slope via Leroy Basin: 17 mi, 8,380 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Ron Clausen, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mount Fernow at a glance
- Elevation9,245 ft2,817 m
- RouteSouthwest Slope via Leroy BasinClass 3
- Distance17 mi8,380 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southwest Slope via Leroy Basin
From Lake Wenatchee, drive Chiwawa River Road (FR 6200) and FR 6211 to the Phelps Creek trailhead. Hike to the Leroy Creek ford and up the steep path to Leroy Basin, cross the saddle west of Seven Fingered Jack, and drop about 1,000 feet past the Gloomy Glacier. Climb a loose gully to the col south of the top and finish on Class 3 ledges. Rockfall is active in the gully. Chiwawa River Road is closed to cars beyond Atkinson Flat through 2027 and the Little Giant Fire area is closed through April 2027, so check current access. Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead.
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
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- Stream crossing
Quests with Mount Fernow
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near Mount Fernow
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Fernow?
Mount Fernow is 9,245 feet (2,817 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Mount Fernow?
The Southwest Slope via Leroy 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: 17 miles with 8,380 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Fernow?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Slope via Leroy Basin, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Fernow 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 Fernow?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southwest Slope via Leroy Basin, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Mount Fernow?
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 Fernow 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