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- Oval Peak
8,798 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Oval Peak
Oval Peak is an 8,798 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the South Ridge: 24 mi, 4,800 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 2.0
Oval Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,798 ft2,681 m
- RouteSouth RidgeClass 2
- Distance24 mi4,800 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysHard effort
- SeasonJul – Oct
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the South Ridge
From Twisp, drive Twisp River Road west, cross Buttermilk Bridge, and follow East Buttermilk Road 43 and spur 4300-500 to the West Fork Buttermilk trailhead. Hike Trail 411 about 7.7 miles, then turn right on the abandoned, blazed Scaffold Ridge Trail 436 for 2 miles to a small lake southeast of the peak. Climb to a saddle on the South Ridge and boulder-hop the crest to the broad top, Class 2 on big talus. The creek crossing near the start can be tricky and blowdown is common. Most parties camp at the lake or at Star Lake. 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
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Stream crossing
- Storms
Quests with Oval Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Oval Peak?
Oval Peak is 8,798 feet (2,681 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to hike Oval Peak?
The South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 24 miles with 4,800 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Oval Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Oval Peak?
The South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 24 miles with 4,800 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Oval Peak?
The usual hiking window is July to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Oval Peak 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