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- Washington 100 Highest
- Silver Star Mountain
8,889 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Silver Star Mountain
Silver Star Mountain is an 8,889 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Burgundy Col and Silver Star Glacier: 5 mi, 5,000 ft of gain, Class 3.
Silver Star Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,889 ft2,709 m
- RouteBurgundy Col and Silver Star GlacierClass 3
- Distance5 mi5,000 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Burgundy Col and Silver Star Glacier
From Winthrop, drive SR 20 west past Mazama to the wide pullout near milepost 166, about 4 miles east of Washington Pass. Drop to Early Winters Creek, cross on a log, and follow the steep climbers path past the bench campsites to Burgundy Col. Descend onto Silver Star Glacier, traverse east below Burgundy Spire, and climb snow to the col between the two summits. Scramble ledges and a short gully to the higher east summit (Class 3, with a Class 4 move or two on some lines). Bring an axe, crampons and a rope for the glacier, and expect steep snow below the col early in summer.
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
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
Quests with Silver Star Mountain
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Silver Star Mountain?
Silver Star Mountain is 8,889 feet (2,709 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Silver Star Mountain?
The Burgundy Col and Silver Star Glacier 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: 5 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Silver Star Mountain?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Burgundy Col and Silver Star Glacier, covering 5 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is Silver Star Mountain 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 Silver Star Mountain?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Burgundy Col and Silver Star Glacier for the snow and ice on the upper mountain, 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 Silver Star Mountain?
The usual climbing window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Silver Star Mountain 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