Red Mountain (North Cascades)

Getting There

Drive SR-20 to Colonial Creek Campground in North Cascades National Park.

Approach & Ascent

Hike the Thunder Creek Trail which to its junction with the Fisher Creek Trail. Then head northwest and follow the northwest ridge leading up to the summit of Red Mountain (7,662 ft). Enjoy amazing views of by Colonial Peak, Snowfield Peak, Primus Peak, Mount Torment, Forbidden Peak, Ripsaw Ridge, Mount Buckner, Mount Logan, the rest of the Ragged Ridge peaks.

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
• Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
• Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast
• Avalanche Terrain Rating Challenging

• Difficulty: Strenuous 4, Technical 3, Winter Scramble
• Length: 22.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 7,500 ft
• High Point: 7,662 ft

• Land Manager: North Cascades National Park
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12