The Fin/Southeast Ridge

A moderate snow/rock scramble in early season (rock scramble in later season) near Washington Pass in the North Cascades.

Getting There

Drive SR-20 (North Cascades Highway) to Washington Pass. Continue 1 mile to the hairpin turn and park in the large turnout.

APPROACH & ASCENT

The scramble starts from the hairpin turn just beyond Washington Pass. Ascend to Kangaroo Pass, then descend 500 feet before ascending again to the notch on the Southeast Ridge just below the summit.  A short rock scramble gains the summit at 7,360 feet.

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: May, June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Strenuous 3, Technical 4
  • Length: 6.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft
  • 7,360 ft
  • Land Manager: North Cascades National Park
  • Parking Permit Required: None
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • USGS Washington Pass
  • USGS Silver Star Mtn
  • USGS Gilbert
  • Green Trails Washington Pass No. 50
  • Green Trails Stehekin No. 82
  • Trails Illustrated North Cascades National Park
Activities
Trip Reports
Resources

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