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8,516 ft · Cascade Range, Washington

Reynolds Peak

Reynolds Peak is an 8,516 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southeast Basin via Reynolds Creek: 13 mi, 5,500 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Reynolds Peak in the Cascade Range, Washington

Photo: Ron Clausen, CC BY-SA 4.0

Reynolds Peak at a glance

  • Elevation8,516 ft2,595 m
  • RouteSoutheast Basin via Reynolds CreekClass 3
  • Distance13 mi5,500 ft gain
  • Time12 – 14 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Oct
  • RangeCascade RangeWashington

Climbing the Southeast Basin via Reynolds Creek

From Twisp, drive Twisp River Road (Forest Road 44) to Mystery Campground, then Forest Road 4435 and spur 4435-015 to the Reynolds Creek trailhead. The Reynolds Creek Trail is largely lost to fire damage, brush and blowdown, so expect a slow bushwhack up the valley. Near 4,800 feet cross Reynolds Creek on a log and follow the side creek on its right bank into the southeast basin, then climb a gully and the open face to the summit pyramid, with a few Class 3 steps near the top. Rock is loose below the summit. Start at dawn, carry a map, and 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

  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Stream crossing
  • Loose rock
  • Remote location

Quests with Reynolds Peak

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Reynolds Peak?

Reynolds Peak is 8,516 feet (2,595 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.

How hard is it to climb Reynolds Peak?

The Southeast Basin via Reynolds Creek 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 5,500 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Reynolds Peak?

Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Southeast Basin via Reynolds Creek, covering 13 miles with 5,500 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Reynolds Peak 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 Reynolds Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southeast Basin via Reynolds Creek, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to climb Reynolds Peak?

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

Climb Reynolds 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

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