Mount Hardy/South Face

getting there

Drive SR 20 to ~2 miles west of Rainy Pass and park on the widened shoulder just east of swamp creek. 

approach & ascent

Hike west along SR 20 over swamp creek. Leave the road west of swamp creek and hike north/northeast to gain the prominent ridge on the south side of the mountain. There is a very faint boot path that may difficult to follow. It is best to scramble climber's right to avoid cliff bands at 5,200 ft but otherwise keep to the ridge where possible. Leave the ridge at about 7,200 ft and scramble loose scree and blocks on the east side (climber's right) of the ridge to a notch below the summit block. Cross the notch and scramble a shallow gully to the summit. Descend the climbing route.

notes

• The USGS Washington Pass map labels a point (7,197 ft) to the north and west as the summit  while other resources such as SummitPost and Peakbagger label the highest point  of the ridge (8,080 ft to 8,120 t) as the true summit of Mount Hardy.

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: Scrambling
• Seasons: July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Strenuous 4, Technical 5
• Length: 4.5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 4,100 ft
• High Point: 8,100 ft

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