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- Spectacle Buttes
8,399 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Spectacle Buttes
Spectacle Buttes is an 8,399 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the South Spectacle Butte Southwest Ridge via Ice Lakes: 21 mi, 7,550 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 2.0
Spectacle Buttes at a glance
- Elevation8,399 ft2,560 m
- RouteSouth Spectacle Butte Southwest Ridge via Ice LakesClass 3
- Distance21 mi7,550 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the South Spectacle Butte Southwest Ridge via Ice Lakes
From Lake Wenatchee, drive Chiwawa River Road (FR 6200) and FR 6211 to the Phelps Creek trailhead. Hike to Leroy Basin, take the high route over the pass south of Mount Maude, and camp at Lower Ice Lake. Descend the Ice Creek path to about 6,500 feet, contour across a hardpan gully, and climb the southwest ridge, passing gendarmes on the right on exposed Class 3 ledges. Chiwawa River Road is closed to cars beyond Atkinson Flat through 2027 and the Little Giant Fire area is closed through April 2027, so check current access. Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
Quests with Spectacle Buttes
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near Spectacle Buttes
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Spectacle Buttes?
Spectacle Buttes is 8,399 feet (2,560 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Spectacle Buttes?
The South Spectacle Butte Southwest Ridge via Ice Lakes 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: 21 miles with 7,550 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Spectacle Buttes?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Spectacle Butte Southwest Ridge via Ice Lakes, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Spectacle Buttes dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. 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 helmet for Spectacle Buttes?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Spectacle Butte Southwest Ridge via Ice Lakes, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Spectacle Buttes?
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 Spectacle Buttes 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