Climbing routes in Washington State
Washington State has it all, and when it comes to outdoor activities you could spend a few years exploring what the state has to offer. Explore the stunning coast, massive volcanoes, incredible mountains and so much more. Like most of the American West, the natural areas in Washington State are best explored on foot, ski or two wheels.
You could spend several holidays just starting to explore Washington State. There is the wonderful Olympic National Park, which takes in Mt. Olympus and part of the beautiful Washington State Coastline. Head NE and you hit some big mountains, including Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and further east the legendary North Cascades National Park. The area around here is dotted with national forests and great outdoor fun.
Farther south you’ve got Mount Rainier National Park, a beautiful destination. Nearby are more volcanoes, specifically Mt. St Helens and Mt. Adams. There is certainly a lot of see and do in Washington State!
Climbing regions in Washington State
Best Climbing routes in Washington State
Forbidden Peak Climb
Forbidden Peak is one of Washington’s 100 steepest climbs, and it is a Class 5 climb only recommended for those with mountaineering experience and the proper gear. The horn-shaped summit offers remarkable views in all directions, and each ascent approach offers great rock quality. The West Ridge is the most commonly climbed route, likely due to its inclusion in the 50 Classic Climbs in North America.
User Ratings
Eldorado Peak Climb
Eldorado Peak is a very difficult mountaineering route that requires climbing gear, climbing experience, and routefinding skills. Most of the trail isn’t marked, so you should be comfortable navigating across scree and snow. This climb is 12.6 km long and requires 2,060 m of elevation gain. There is a difficult river crossing early on and it can be hard to find the trailhead.
Some climbers do this ascent in one day, but this often takes up to 17 hours.
User Ratings
Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach
Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach is a 25.3 km mountaineering route in the North Cascades that is loved by many for its beauty but certainly not accessible to most due to its difficulty. This is a route that requires proper mountaineering experience, equipment, and preparation.
User Ratings
Change happens, fees shouldn't
Suggested Tours
Summit Mount Olympus Trekking Tour
Months Tour Operates
This tour is your chance to trek one of the most mystical mountains on earth: Mount Olympus. This self-guided journey starts in Litochoro, an enchanting town at the foot of Greece’s highest peak. Then you’ll spend two days on the mountain, sleeping in a mountain hut on the second night. You should be comfortable hiking up some serious elevation on this tour to reach the summit, a worthy reward for your effort.
Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies
Months Tour Operates
Avalanche safety is a must-have tenet of backcountry adventure and a critical step in keeping yourself and your adventure partners safe in the wintertime and shoulder season. The Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies tour is a practical chance to learn the basics of avalanche safety in one of the most beautiful mountain environments in the world.
Self-Guided Mount Triglav Trek
Months Tour Operates
Take on a quintessential Slovenian trekking adventure to the summit of its highest mountain! The Self-Guided Mount Triglav Trek allows you to hike at your own pace and enjoy the incredible scenery of Triglav National Park.
2-Day Mt Olympus Hike
Months Tour Operates
Join an exhilarating 2-day hiking tour through the legendary Mount Olympus, revered as the abode of ancient Greek Gods!
Other Activities in Washington State
Trip Planners
Essential Tools for Any Adventure
This page may include affiliate links. We may get a small commission for the purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
We only recommend tools we personally think are great.