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- Switchback Mountain
8,324 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Switchback Mountain
Switchback Mountain is an 8,324 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge via Cooney Lake: 19 mi, 3,950 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 3.0
Switchback Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,324 ft2,537 m
- RouteSoutheast Ridge via Cooney LakeClass 2
- Distance19 mi3,950 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Southeast Ridge via Cooney Lake
From Twisp, follow SR 20 and SR 153 to Gold Creek Road, then Forest Road 4340 and Crater Creek Road 4340-300 to the Crater Creek trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park. Take Eagle Lakes Trail 431 a short way, then the multi-use Martin Creek Trail past the Martin Lakes turnoff to Cooney Lake. Continue on the Cooney Lake Trail toward Switchback Pass and leave it for the easy Southeast Ridge, Class 1 to 2 on open slopes. Watch for afternoon storms on the crest. Circuit option: run the ridge north to Martin Peak and descend to Martin Lakes, about 19.5 mi and 5,000 ft.
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
- Storms
- Dry conditions
Quests with Switchback Mountain
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Switchback Mountain?
Switchback Mountain is 8,324 feet (2,537 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to hike Switchback Mountain?
The Southeast Ridge via Cooney Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 19 miles with 3,950 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Switchback Mountain?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Southeast Ridge via Cooney Lake, covering 19 miles with 3,950 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Switchback Mountain?
The Southeast Ridge via Cooney Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 19 miles with 3,950 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 Switchback Mountain?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Switchback Mountain 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