MOUNT GLACIER PEAK

Glacier Peak is one of Washington’s most remote and least-climbed volcanoes, yet it holds a rugged beauty that captivates mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the Glacier Peak Wilderness of the North Cascades, this stratovolcano rises to an elevation of 10,541 feet (3,213 meters), making it the fourth-highest peak in Washington State. Unlike its more famous counterparts—Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and Mount St. Helens—Glacier Peak is relatively isolated, requiring long and demanding approaches that deter casual visitors but reward dedicated adventurers with breathtaking alpine scenery.

Glacier Peak is one of the five active volcanoes in Washington and has erupted multiple times in the past 15,000 years. It is considered one of the most explosive volcanoes in the state, producing powerful eruptions that have spread ash across the Pacific Northwest. The most significant eruptions occurred approximately 13,000 years ago, with another major event around 1,800 years ago. Despite its remote location, an eruption from Glacier Peak could have serious consequences for nearby rivers, valleys, and communities due to the potential for lahars (volcanic mudflows) and ashfall.

Unlike other major Washington volcanoes with roads leading to their bases, Glacier Peak demands a multi-day trek just to reach the mountain itself. The most common route, the Disappointment Peak Cleaver, requires a long approach via the White Chuck or North Fork Sauk River trails. Climbers typically spend two to three days ascending the peak, with a high camp established at Glacier Gap or another suitable location. The final push involves navigating crevasses and steep snowfields, making glacier travel experience and proper equipment essential.

the surrounding Glacier Peak Wilderness offers an extensive network of hiking trails that weave through alpine meadows, old-growth forests, and glacier-fed rivers. Popular destinations include Image Lake, with its iconic reflection of Glacier Peak, and the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes near the volcano, providing spectacular views for long-distance hikers.