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- Mount Stuart
9,415 ft · Stuart Range, Washington
Mount Stuart
Mount Stuart is a 9,415 ft peak in the Stuart Range, Washington. The standard route is the Ingalls Way Trail: 12 mi, 7,834 ft of gain, Class 4.
Mount Stuart at a glance
- Elevation9,415 ft2,869 m
- RouteIngalls Way TrailClass 4
- Distance12 mi7,834 ft gain
- Time10 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Jul
- RangeStuart RangeWashington
Climbing the Ingalls Way Trail
From near Cle Elum, Washington, drive to the Esmeralda Trailhead and hike the Ingalls Way toward Ingalls Lake and Stuart Pass to approach Mount Stuart in the Cascades. The Cascadian Couloir is the standard Class 4 route, a long scramble on loose rock with steep exposure and lingering snow and ice. This big granite peak generates fast storms with wind and poor visibility, and the descent gully is easy to lose. Wear a helmet, carry navigation, and start very early for the long day. This is a committing route in remote alpine terrain best suited to experienced, fit scramblers. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the Esmeralda Trailhead.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
Trekking Poles
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Sun Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Heavyweight Gloves
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Emergency Bivy
Sleeping Bag (20°F to 32°F)
Sleeping Pad
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Technical climbing
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Icy summit conditions
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Remote location
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
- Glacier travel
Quests with Mount Stuart
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Stuart?
Mount Stuart is 9,415 feet (2,869 m) tall. It is in the Stuart Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Mount Stuart?
The Ingalls Way Trail is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 12 miles with 7,834 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Mount Stuart?
Most people take 10 – 14 hours round trip on the Ingalls Way Trail, covering 12 miles with 7,834 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Mount Stuart dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need a rope to climb Mount Stuart?
Most parties bring one. The Ingalls Way Trail is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Mount Stuart?
The usual climbing window is June to July. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Stuart?
The Ingalls Way Trail starts at about 4,270 feet, roughly 5,145 feet below the summit.
Climb Mount Stuart 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