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8,574 ft · Cascade Range, Washington

Raven Ridge

Raven Ridge is an 8,574 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the North Gully from Libby Lake: 13 mi, 4,200 ft of gain, Class 3.

Raven Ridge in the Cascade Range, Washington

Photo: brewbooks, CC BY-SA 2.0

Raven Ridge at a glance

  • Elevation8,574 ft2,613 m
  • RouteNorth Gully from Libby LakeClass 3
  • Distance13 mi4,200 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeCascade RangeWashington

Climbing the North Gully from Libby Lake

From Twisp, take SR 20 and SR 153 to Libby Creek Road, then Forest Roads 43, 4340, 4340-700 and 4340-750 to the Libby Lake trailhead. Hike Libby Creek Trail 415 to Libby Lake, skirt to its southeast corner, and climb the broad south gully about 900 feet, leaving it left near the top for a rib that reaches the crest (Class 2+). Traverse east on the south side for half a mile to the true summit, where a tunnel under the summit boulders leads to a short Class 3 finish. The gully is extremely loose, so wear a helmet and space out your party. Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 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
  • Steep exposure

Quests with Raven Ridge

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Raven Ridge?

Raven Ridge is 8,574 feet (2,613 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.

How hard is it to climb Raven Ridge?

The North Gully from Libby Lake is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 4,200 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Raven Ridge?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the North Gully from Libby Lake, covering 13 miles with 4,200 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Raven Ridge dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. 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 Raven Ridge?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the North Gully from Libby Lake, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to climb Raven Ridge?

The usual climbing window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Raven Ridge 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