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8,692 ft · Cascade Range, Washington

Star Peak

Star Peak is an 8,692 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southwest Spur: 22 mi, 5,200 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Star Peak in the Cascade Range, Washington

Photo: brewbooks, CC BY-SA 2.0

Star Peak at a glance

  • Elevation8,692 ft2,649 m
  • RouteSouthwest SpurClass 2
  • Distance22 mi5,200 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Oct
  • RangeCascade RangeWashington

Climbing the Southwest Spur

From Twisp, take Twisp River Road and East Buttermilk Road 43 to spur 4300-500 and the West Fork Buttermilk trailhead. Follow Trail 411 to Fish Creek Pass, drop past Star Lake to the Summit Trail, and climb to the pass between Star Peak and Baldy Mountain. Leave the trail and work up the southwest spur on broken rock and talus to the summit ridge and final pyramid, Class 2 with loose blocks. A steep scree path from the Star Lake basin is a shortcut. The ford near the start runs high into July. Camp at Star Lake and 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

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Stream crossing
  • Storms

Quests with Star Peak

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Star Peak?

Star Peak is 8,692 feet (2,649 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.

How hard is it to hike Star Peak?

The Southwest Spur is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 22 miles with 5,200 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Star Peak?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Spur, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Star Peak?

The Southwest Spur needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 22 miles with 5,200 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Star Peak?

The usual hiking window is July to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Star 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

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