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- Storm King
8,551 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Storm King
Storm King is an 8,551 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southwest Route: 27 mi, 6,800 ft of gain, Class 4.
Storm King at a glance
- Elevation8,551 ft2,606 m
- RouteSouthwest RouteClass 4
- Distance27 mi6,800 ft gain
- Time3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southwest Route
Ride the Lady of the Lake boat to Stehekin, shuttle to High Bridge, and walk the Old Wagon Trail and upper valley trail 7.5 mi to Park Creek. Climb the Park Creek Trail about 4 mi to a cairned path up burned slopes to the basin under Goode near 7,400 ft. Traverse about a mile of snow and talus, climb loose talus to a notch, cross an exposed north-side ledge with Class 4 moves, and finish up a short crack to the east summit, the highest top. Plan 3 days with a North Cascades backcountry permit, and check NPS alerts for Stehekin road closures.
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
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Steep exposure
- Remote location
- Complex logistics
Quests with Storm King
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Storm King?
Storm King is 8,551 feet (2,606 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Storm King?
The Southwest Route is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 27 miles with 6,800 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Storm King?
Most climbers plan 3 days for the Southwest Route, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Storm King dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. 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 Storm King?
Most parties bring one. The Southwest Route is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Storm King?
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 Storm King 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