The Best Mountains to Climb in Washington State
If you are a fitness enthusiast, there are many mountains to climb in the US, particularly in Washington State. Washington is a unique state full of exciting volcanic mountains. The mountains are diverse and vary from easy to climb mountains like Mount Baker and technical ones like climbing the Forbidden peaks. Regardless of the level, these mountains will stretch you to your limits during your exploration. They will not only harden you but keep you fit. It is not advisable to start your hiking experience with the Washington Mountains because they are not for amateurs. Here are the best mountains to climb in Washington State.
8. Mount Olympus (Jefferson County, WA)
It is the tallest among the Olympic Mountains and the most isolated in Washington. Olympus is a beautiful snow-capped mountain that transverses through Olympus National Park. Getting to the peak of this mountain requires a competent level of expertise that few mountain climbers possess. The peak of Mount Olympus is among the Triple Crown List meaning the tallest peak is at least 5000 feet. The height is ridiculously high, making it one of the toughest mountains. The reward of reaching the top of this mountain is a 360 degrees view of the entire Washington and neighboring states.
7. Mount Shuksan (Whatcom County, WA)
It is considered one of the most beautiful mountainous views in the world. It is also one of the most photographed mountains. The mountain’s peak is tall, which makes it among the greatest mountains to climb in America. According to Summitpost, there are 14 different routes you can use to get to the top of this mountain. The different routes increase the technicality of climbing this mountain. Potential mountaineers will require an in-depth level of patience and resilience and be prepared to stay overnight as they tackle one of their greatest hiking challenges. The good thing about Mount Shuksan is mountaineers can decide the level of difficulty they want depending on their level of expertise.
6. Mount Baker (Whatcom County, WA)
It is possible to see this mountain from Seattle on a bright day. Mount Baker is an active mountain meaning it can erupt anytime. The mountain is glaciated and ranked as the third tallest mountain in Washington. The mountain peak is 10,778 feet and is covered with snow almost yearly. The cold conditions make it a challenging mountain to climb, but if you are up to the task and take the necessary precautions, nothing should stop you from exercising your resilience and prowess. It is a nice peak that beginners can attempt to climb.
5. Eldorado Peak (Skagit County, WA)
Summiting the peak of Eldorado is a real adrenaline rush that any mountaineer would crave. Eldorado Peak is found inside the North Cascades National Park. It is exciting to carve a trail around the two feet long summit, the more reason why people enjoy hiking this mountain. The mountain’s peak is beautiful, and it gives the mountain an interesting Himalayan shape that is visible from a distance. It takes approximately one or two days to ascend to the summit and back. Eldorado is about 8 miles long, and the highest peak is at 7000 feet above sea level.
4. Mount Pilchuck (Lake Stevens, WA)
Mount Pilchuck is one of the most popular mountains that Washington locals love to climb. It is near Seattle and endowed with spectacular views from above and beneath the mountain. The hiking status is easy to climb, and beginner climbers can use it as a stepping stone to sharpen their hiking skills. You don’t require years of experience to summit the top of this mountain. Once you get to the top, you will enjoy beautiful scenarios. You will also get a chance to view Mount Pilchuck State Park. According to Trekbaron, tourists are required to get a permit before they are allowed to climb the mountain.
3. Abercrombie Mountain (Lake Stevens County, WA)
At 5100 feet, Abercrombie is one of the best mountains to climb in Washington State. It is popular among the locals because you don’t need to possess any technical skills to reach the top. As an easy to climb mountain, it is recommended for beginners to train in hiking using this mountain. At the summit, visitors have a view of the valley. Experienced climbers can proceed to hike Mount Hooknose. Hikers should take note of the presence of grizzly bears and take the necessary precautions to avoid any accidents.
2. Tower Mountain (Border of Okanogan and Skagit Counties, WA)
If you are an experienced climber, challenge yourself to get to the peak of this mountain. It is not a popular mountain because of the advanced level of skill required to reach the peak. The intimidating tower of rocks at the mountain’s peak makes it a daunting task to submit to the top. Once you get to the top, the breathtaking view will make you forget the pain you have gone through. It is technically easy for a level three climber to reach the summit top, but they will need a technical finesse to maneuver through the vertical rocks.
1. Baring Mountain (Central Cascade Range, WA)
Climbing Baring Mountain is not for the faint-hearted. Towering at 6125 feet above sea level is one of the steepest mountains you can hike in Washington State. The well-known route you can use to ascend to the peak is the Northwest edge, although it is difficult. According to Tripadvisor, competent mountaineers compare Baring Mountain to hiking Yosemite. Climbers should be extremely careful when climbing this mountain because of its steep nature. Do not attempt to climb the mountain if it is raining because it will be disastrous. You will need to save all the energy, patience, and resilience because this is what will get you to the top of this mountain. At the top, you will enjoy beautiful sceneries that are to die for, and chances are you might not want to descend because it is serene.