Cabinet Peak

Getting there

Drive SR-20 to Milepost 147.  Park at a large turnout on north side of the North Cascades Highway between County Line and Cabinet Creeks (3,200 ft).

Approach & Ascent

From the turnout hike 200 yards up the road to just past Cabinet Creek and enter the trees just before a rock band on the road cut. Ascend parallel to Cabinet Creek on a bearing of ~217°, passing through an extended field of blow down; there aren’t really any major obstructions, but it is tedious. At 3,800 ft turn south and ascend a relatively steep and generally pretty open forest to attain Cabinet’s northeast ridge at 5,000 ft. Follow the ridge to the summit. There were two short steeper sections on the final stretch but nothing not well within the definition of scramble terrain. Contrary to its portrayal on the USGS map the summit block of Cabinet is not treed in and offers a stunning view of the great mountains of the North Cascades: Redoubt, Jack, Crater, Ballard, Azurite, Golden Horn, Tower, Hardy, Ragged Ridge, Gabriel, Elijah Ridge and Bebee among others.

notes

• The most favorable time for Cabinet Peak is in the spring, after the North Cascades Highway is open and the higher slopes are still covered in snow.

• Suitable Activities: Scrambling
• Seasons: April, May, June
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Technical 3, Strenuous 4
• Length: 6.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 3,800 ft
• High Point: 6,882 ft

• Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
  Methow Valley Ranger District (OWNF)
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12