Azurite Peak
The 76th tallest mountain on the Bulger list requires a hike of 25 miles and nearly 6,000 feet of elevation gain. It is a remote climb in the North Cascades near Mazama that requires solid Class 3 scrambling and route-finding skills.
Getting there
Drive SR-20 to Mazama and then drive northwest on Lost River Road to River Bend Campground. The trailhead (2,700 ft) is near the end the road just past the campground.
Approach
Hike the West Fork Methow River Trail for ~8 miles to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) junction at Brush Creek. Turn left and follow the PCT south for 1.5 miles to Horse Heaven Camp.
Ascent Route
Hike the Mill Creek Trail from camp to Azurite Pass at 6,700 ft. The trail crosses Jet Creek several times—there is likely no water above the creek in late season. Head northeast along the ridge toward the summit. Careful route-finding through many gullies and rock steps is required.
Descent route
Descend the climbing route.
Trip profile
SEGMENT | TIME (HR) | DISTANCE (MI) | ELEVATION GAIN (FT) |
---|---|---|---|
Trailhead to Camp | 4-6 | 9.5 | 1,800 |
Summit to Trailhead | 5-7 | 4.5 | 4,000 |
Summit to Camp | 3-4 | 4.5 | |
Camp to Trailhead | 4-6 | 9.5 |
equipment
Ice ax and crampons in early or late season. Some may want a 60 m rope to rappel the upper gully.
- Suitable Activities: Climbing
- Climbing Category: Basic Alpine
- Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Basic Alpine Climb
- Length: 25.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 6,000 ft
- 8,400 ft
-
Land Manager:
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
Methow Valley Ranger District (OWNF)
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Methow Valley No. 51SX
- Green Trails Washington Pass No. 50
- Green Trails Mt Logan No. 49
- Trails Illustrated North Cascades National Park
- USGS Azurite Peak
- USGS Slate Peak
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