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- Tower Mountain
8,443 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Tower Mountain
Tower Mountain is an 8,443 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the West Face Gully: 25 mi, 5,500 ft of gain, Class 4.
Photo: Peter Stevens, CC BY 2.0
Tower Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,443 ft2,573 m
- RouteWest Face GullyClass 4
- Distance25 mi5,500 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the West Face Gully
From Winthrop, drive SR 20 west about 35 miles to Rainy Pass and turn north to the PCT trailhead. Follow the PCT over Cutthroat Pass and down to Granite Pass, then traverse to the Snowy Lakes spur and camp by the lakes. Cross talus east to the west face near an obvious cave, climb the broad gully to its right on ledges and cairns, and traverse right near a white V to the exposed summit ridge and its huge cairn (Class 4 with loose steps). Rockfall in the gully is serious, so space out parties. Snow near Granite Pass can last into August. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park.
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
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Tower Mountain
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Tower Mountain?
Tower Mountain is 8,443 feet (2,573 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Tower Mountain?
The West Face Gully is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 25 miles with 5,500 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Tower Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the West Face Gully, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Tower Mountain 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 rope to climb Tower Mountain?
Most parties bring one. The West Face Gully is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Tower Mountain?
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 Tower 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