- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Washington 100 Highest
- Sinister Peak
8,439 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Sinister Peak
Sinister Peak is an 8,439 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Northwest Face: 35 mi, 11,400 ft of gain, Class 3.
Sinister Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,439 ft2,572 m
- RouteNorthwest FaceClass 3
- Distance35 mi11,400 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Northwest Face
From Darrington, drive the Suiattle River Road (FSR 26) to the Downey Creek trailhead, closed at milepost 10.5 since December 2025 washouts, so check status first. Hike Downey Creek and Bachelor Creek over Cub Pass to Itswoot Ridge, cross the Dome Glacier to the Dome-Chickamin col, then descend the crevassed Chickamin Glacier to the Dome-Sinister col. Climb snow on the Northwest Face to a Class 3 scramble, with one exposed spot, to the top; a late-season bergschrund can stop parties. You climb back to the col on the return. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park. Fill out the free wilderness permit and plan 3 to 4 days.
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
Mountaineering Boots
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
Glacier Glasses
What to watch for
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
Quests with Sinister Peak
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near Sinister Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Sinister Peak?
Sinister Peak is 8,439 feet (2,572 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Sinister Peak?
The Northwest Face 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: 35 miles with 11,400 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Sinister Peak?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the Northwest Face, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Sinister Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and tricky route-finding. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Sinister Peak?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Northwest Face, 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 Sinister 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 Sinister 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