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- Mount Rahm
8,463 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Mount Rahm
Mount Rahm is an 8,463 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southwest Route: 25 mi, 6,600 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 4.0
Mount Rahm at a glance
- Elevation8,463 ft2,579 m
- RouteSouthwest RouteClass 3
- Distance25 mi6,600 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southwest Route
From Chilliwack, BC, drive Chilliwack Lake Road to unsigned Depot Creek Road and park at the gate. Old roads reach the border in 2 miles, then a rough path climbs Depot Creek to camp at Ouzel Lake. Cross the Custer-Spickard saddle, traverse a long bench above Silver Lake, and pass a cliff band by a longer Class 3 gully (a shorter one has Class 4 moves). Loose talus and a snowfield lead to the twin summits. US law requires entering at a port of entry, which this walk-in skips. A North Cascades backcountry permit is required; get it at the Marblemount Wilderness Information Center.
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
- Snow near summit
- Complex logistics
- Remote location
Quests with Mount Rahm
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Rahm?
Mount Rahm is 8,463 feet (2,579 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Mount Rahm?
The Southwest Route 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: 25 miles with 6,600 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Rahm?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Route, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Rahm 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 Rahm?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southwest Route, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Mount Rahm?
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 Rahm 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