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- Snowshoe Peak
8,738 ft · Cabinet Mountains, Montana
Snowshoe Peak
Snowshoe Peak is an 8,738 ft peak in the Cabinet Mountains, Montana. The standard route is the Leigh Lake Route: 9 mi, 3,900 ft of gain, Class 4.
Snowshoe Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,738 ft2,663 m
- RouteLeigh Lake RouteClass 4
- Distance9 mi3,900 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCabinet MountainsMontana
Climbing the Leigh Lake Route
From Libby, Montana, follow forest roads to the Leigh Lake Trailhead to approach Snowshoe Peak, the highpoint of the rugged Cabinet Mountains. From the lake, the route becomes a Class 4 climb on steep, loose rock with rockfall and real exposure near the summit. Snow and ice linger into late summer, and storms with high wind arrive quickly in this remote range. Wear a helmet, carry navigation, and consider a rope for the exposed sections. Start early and keep your party close to avoid knocking rock. This is a committing, seldom-climbed summit that rewards experienced scramblers willing to travel far.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
Trekking Poles
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Sun Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps- Compass
- Paper Map
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Technical climbing
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- High winds
- Remote location
- Low visibility
- High altitude
Quests with Snowshoe Peak
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Snowshoe Peak?
Snowshoe Peak is 8,738 feet (2,663 m) tall. It is in the Cabinet Mountains, Montana.
How hard is it to climb Snowshoe Peak?
The Leigh Lake Route is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Snowshoe Peak?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Leigh Lake Route, covering 9 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is Snowshoe Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. 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 rope to climb Snowshoe Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Leigh Lake Route is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Snowshoe 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 Snowshoe 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