Columbia Peak/West Spur

getting there

From Granite Falls, drive the Mountain Loop Highway ~30 miles to Barlow Pass where the paving ends (2,360 ft). Parking is on the left.

Approach

Mountain bike or hike 4 mi from Barlow Pass to Monte Cristo (8 mi round trip, 500 ft elevation gain). From there hike the Poodle Dog Pass and Twin Lakes Trails to the saddle at Twin Lakes.

ascent

From the saddle, ascend the west spur to the summit of Columbia Peak.  From Monte Cristo, this is 12 mi round trip and 4,400 ft of elevation gain.

notes

• Silver Tip Peak/Southeast Ridge is a good Class 4 scrambling side trip from Poodle Dog Pass on the way to Twin Lakes and Columbia Peak.
• Added Reference: Climbing Washington's Mountains by Jeff Smoot (Falcon, 2002).

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

• Difficulty: Basic Alpine Climb
• Length: 20.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 4,900 ft
• High Point: 7,172 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  Darrington Ranger District (MBSNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12