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- Sahale Peak
8,756 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Sahale Peak
Sahale Peak is an 8,756 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Sahale Arm and Sahale Glacier: 13 mi, 5,300 ft of gain, Class 4.
Sahale Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,756 ft2,668 m
- RouteSahale Arm and Sahale GlacierClass 4
- Distance13 mi5,300 ft gain
- Time14 – 16 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Sahale Arm and Sahale Glacier
From Marblemount, drive the Cascade River Road to the Cascade Pass Trailhead at road's end. Hike 3.7 mi to Cascade Pass, then climb the Sahale Arm trail through meadows and talus to the Sahale Glacier camp. Cross the glacier to the summit block and scramble mostly Class 3 rock with a short Class 4 section; most parties rappel about 100 ft off the south side. Crevasses open on the glacier by midsummer, and loose rock falls on the descent, so wear a helmet and carry an ice axe. Many climb it in a long day; camping on the glacier needs a North Cascades backcountry permit.
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
Mountaineering Boots
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
Glacier Glasses
What to watch for
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Rockfall
- Steep exposure
Quests with Sahale Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Sahale Peak?
Sahale Peak is 8,756 feet (2,668 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Sahale Peak?
The Sahale Arm and Sahale Glacier is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 5,300 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Sahale Peak?
Most people take 14 – 16 hours round trip on the Sahale Arm and Sahale Glacier, covering 13 miles with 5,300 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Sahale Peak 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 crampons and an ice axe for Sahale Peak?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Sahale Arm and Sahale Glacier, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
When is the best time to climb Sahale 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 Sahale 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