- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Washington 100 Highest
- Snowfield Peak
8,342 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Snowfield Peak
Snowfield Peak is an 8,342 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Neve Glacier via Colonial Glacier: 15 mi, 7,900 ft of gain, Class 3.
Snowfield Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,342 ft2,542 m
- RouteNeve Glacier via Colonial GlacierClass 3
- Distance15 mi7,900 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Neve Glacier via Colonial Glacier
Start at the Pyramid Lake Trailhead on SR 20 just past the Diablo turnoff and climb about 2 mi to Pyramid Lake. A steep, rooty climbers path continues up the ridge and traverses under Pyramid Peak to camps by the Colonial Glacier near 5,900 ft. Climb to the Colonial-Neve col, drop onto the Neve Glacier, rope up, and cross to the summit pyramid, where a Class 3 gully and a short exposed ledge lead to the top. Expect a relentless approach, small crevasses, and heavy bugs in the forest. Most parties camp one night, which needs a North Cascades backcountry permit.
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
- Insects
Quests with Snowfield Peak
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Snowfield Peak?
Snowfield Peak is 8,342 feet (2,542 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Snowfield Peak?
The Neve Glacier via Colonial 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 very hard: 15 miles with 7,900 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Snowfield Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the Neve Glacier via Colonial Glacier, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Snowfield Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Snowfield Peak?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Neve Glacier via Colonial 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 Snowfield 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 Snowfield 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