Dorado Needle/Northwest Ridge

A fine outing with plenty of elevation gain, a moderate glacier approach, and a short, classy, 5.3 rock finish.

Getting There

Drive I-5 to just north of Mount Vernon, then east on SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) to Marblemount. At Marblemount, and turn right onto Cascade River Road. Follow it to a large parking area on the right at about mile mark 20 and elevation 2,100 ft.

  • Suitable Activities: Climbing
  • Climbing Category: Intermediate Alpine
  • Seasons: July, August, September
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Intermediate Mountaineering Climb
  • Length: 12.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 7,000 ft
  • 8,440 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
Map
  • USGS Forbidden Peak
  • USGS Eldorado Peak
  • Trails Illustrated North Cascades National Park
Activities

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