Round Mountain

A scramble near Darrington that is a good winter route when you can drive a few miles of the Forest Road 1890. The route is usually 6 miles round trip and 3,400 feet of elevation gain. Despite it's modest altitude, Round Mountain ranks as the eighth most prominent mountain in Washington, and as such it, enjoys commanding views.

Driving DIRECTIONS

The most practical and shortest approach is from Swede Heaven. The turnoff on SR 530 is about 24 miles east of Arlington or about 5 miles west of Darrington. Take Forest Road 1890 and drive north across the North Fork Stillaguamish River. The road turns west and take the second main turnoff on the right. Drive this logging road as far as possible. The road ends in about 4 miles at 2,000 ft.

APPROACH & ASCENT

From the second clearcut, ascend up steep, forested slopes; staying right and below the ridge that leads to the East Ridge of Mount Higgins. At around 3,800 ft, climb to the crest of a forested ridge that lies north and parallels the ridge leading to Mount Higgins. Follow this ridge northwest, descending a bit as it turns north heading to the south flank of Round Mountain. The final climb is up snow with scattered trees and rock outcrops.  Time: 4 hours, Avalanche hazard: little or none.

  • Difficulty: Winter Scramble
  • Length: 6.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,400 ft
  • 5,320 ft
  • Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
    Darrington Ranger District (MBSNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: None
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • USGS Mt Higgins
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