Horseshoe Peak

getting there

Drive SR-20 to Marblemount. Drive the Cascade River Road ~22 miles to its end at the Cascade Pass Trailhead.

APPROACH

Hike the Cascade Pass Trail to Cascade Pass. From the pass continue up to Sahale Arm and ascend to the camp at 7,600 ft at the base of the Sahale Glacier. Follow the approach given on Summit Post to the base of the climb.

ASCENT ROUTE

Climb the route in one 100-foot pitch.

DESCENT ROUTE

Do a single rope rappel down the south face, then retrace the approach.

TRIP PROFILE

EQUIPMENT

Ice axe, crampons, standard glacier travel gear, light alpine rack.

NOTES

This is a strenuous climb as a one day trip. A two day trip would be more moderate and also allow for enjoying the wonderful views at Sahale Camp. Recommended time frame is mid- to late summer.

information for leaders

Courses, paid clinics, staff-led programs, and course field trips require a Commercial Use Authorization. The Park typically accepts applications for 2-year CUAs  through mid-March each year, and CUA's are activity-specific. Please contact info@mountaineers.org if you would like to apply for a CUA for a field trip or paid clinic for an activity we do not already have a CUA for. Please follow all Mountaineers group guidelines when leading trips or courses in North Cascades National Park. 

Notes:

• Leaders are responsible for securing backcountry permits or other required permits even if  we have a CUA.
• Leaders must have all relevant CUAs with them in paper or electronic copy to show Parks Staff as requested. 
• All Hiking course field trips or paid clinics must have a First aid and CPR certified leader. Current (non-expired) certificates must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip
• All mountaineering field trips or paid clinics must have a WFR-certified leader and a leader with documented climbing certifications (an AMGA certification OR Mountaineers climb leader with a recent resume of training and experience). Both qualifications must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip

View list of current North Cascades CUAs

• Suitable Activities: Climbing
• Climbing Category: Basic Alpine
• Seasons: July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Basic Alpine Climb
• Length: 14.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 5,500 ft
• High Point: 8,480 ft

• Land Manager: North Cascades National Park
  Stephen Mather Wilderness
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12