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- Ptarmigan Peak
8,618 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Ptarmigan Peak
Ptarmigan Peak is an 8,618 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Tatoosh Buttes and North Ridge Loop: 39 mi, 10,150 ft of gain, Class 3.
Ptarmigan Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,618 ft2,626 m
- RouteTatoosh Buttes and North Ridge LoopClass 3
- Distance39 mi10,150 ft gain
- Time4 – 5 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Tatoosh Buttes and North Ridge Loop
From Mazama, drive Harts Pass Road (FR 5400) past Harts Pass to the Slate Pass trailhead. Hike down the Middle Fork Pasayten about 14 miles to the faint Tatoosh Buttes trail, cross Lease Creek, and climb burned slopes to Tamarack Ridge. The north ridge is an easy tundra walk to the top. Loop back south over Dot Mountain (an exposed Class 3 ridge), across loose ground to the Lago-Carru col, and out via Eureka Creek and Rolo Pass. This is deep, rarely visited country with burn deadfall and wind. Fill out the free wilderness permit. Base camp option: from Shellrock Pass via the Lago-Carru col and Dot.
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
- Remote location
- Isolation
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- High winds
Quests with Ptarmigan Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Ptarmigan Peak?
Ptarmigan Peak is 8,618 feet (2,626 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Ptarmigan Peak?
The Tatoosh Buttes and North Ridge Loop 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: 39 miles with 10,150 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Ptarmigan Peak?
Most climbers plan 4 – 5 days for the Tatoosh Buttes and North Ridge Loop, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Ptarmigan Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock, fast-changing weather 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 Ptarmigan Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Tatoosh Buttes and North Ridge Loop, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Ptarmigan Peak?
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 Ptarmigan 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