Forbidden Peak North Ridge

Overview

The North Ridge route on Forbidden requires a somewhat lengthy but scenic and varied approach with nearly 7,000ft of elevation and crosses two of the larger glaciers in the area- the Queen Sabe and the Boston. The ridge itself climbs at a very moderate grade with wonderful position.

If your looking for solitude this route is for you- with most parties vying for an ascent of the West Ridge or the East Ridge direct its likely you'll have this route all to yourselves.

All things considered the North Ridge makes for a memorable trip to one of the coolest summits in the area.

Getting There

Drive to Marblemount on SR-20. Register at the Marblemount Ranger Station. Take the Cascade River Road (Forest Road 15) for 21.7 miles to the Boston Basin Trailhead, a pull out just before the Cascade Pass Trailhead.

approach

The trail initially follows the old Diamond Mine Road bed for about 1 mile to where the trail leaves the road sharply right and steeply up. Follow trail to Boston Basin. Either camp high in Boston Basin, off the meadows and on rock or snow, at designated upper campsites (6,400 ft) or camp on the flat bench (7,500 ft) below Sharkfin Tower, beside the Quien Sabe Glacier. You can also bivouac on the snow when crossing over the northeast ridge (called the “North Ridge") at about (7,700 ft).

Ascent Route

From Boston Basin, ascend the moraine and move along west edge of the Quien Sabe Glacier to 7,500 ft. Climb to Sharkfin Col (7,720 ft), the low point on the ridge and left of Sharkfin Tower, via 10 feet of 5.7 rock climbing and 200 feet of Class 3 gully. Rappel 150 feet down a loose gully from the Col to the Boston Glacier. Descend in a northward traverse through crevasses to 7,000 ft, passing a rock buttress. Then traverse, ascending to the north end of the Boston Glacier and cross over the northeast ridge (called the “North Ridge") at ~7,700 ft. This might be a good  place to bivouac.

Ascend the North ridge to the summit. 

Descent Route

 Forbidden Peak is tough to descend but the airy East Ridge and West Ridge are the best two choices. The West Ridge is preferred if it is not crowded with ascending parties. Selected Climbs in the Cascades, Vol 1 contains good information about descent choices.

EQUIPMENT

Standard glacier & alpine trad climbing gear.

NOTES

• This wonderful North Cascades ice climb has a remote feeling and a circuitous spectacular route, but is not a good choice for a first trad climb.
• Rapid efficient travel and equanimity with exposure are key.
• Consider impact in Boston Basin when choosing a campsite.
• Permits are required for camping and can be difficult to obtain. Obtain permit at the ranger station in Marblemount.

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: Intermediate Alpine
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Intermediate Rock Climb
• Length: 8.8 mi
• Elevation Gain: 7,000 ft
• High Point: 8,815 ft

• Land Manager: North Cascades National Park
  Stephen Mather Wilderness
• Parking Permit Required: America the Beautiful Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 4
• Maximum Party Size: 6
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 6