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Forbidden Peak/West Ridge


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Forbidden Peak/West Ridge

This four-pitch 5.6, Grade II intermediate alpine rock climbs is one of the the 50 Classic Climbs in North America. Ice, snow, solid rock, and alpine scenery all blend together. This a very popular area is the starting point for many climbs, so permits are often difficult to obtain on summer weekends. Times: 3 hr to camp, 6-9 hr climb to summit.

getting there

Drive to Marblemount on SR-20. Register at the Marblemount Ranger Station. Take the Cascade River Road (Forest Road 15) for 21.7 miles to the Boston Basin Trailhead (3,200 ft), a pull out just before the Cascade Pass Trailhead.

APPROACH

The trail initially follows the old Diamond Mine roadbed for about 1 mile to where the trail leaves the road sharply right and steeply up. Follow trail to Boston Basin high camp on flats below glacier at about 6,500 ft. Alternate bivy sites exist at top of couloir.

ASCENT ROUTE

From Boston Basin campsite, cross glacier to prominent, 500 ft long couloir at the left edge of the South Face of Forbidden Peak. Ascend the steep snow- and ice-filled couloir to the crest of the West Ridge. Climb the exposed ridge on mostly solid rock via ledges and cracks. Difficulties are avoided by traversing on north side of ridge. Running belays speed the ascent.

DESCENT ROUTE

Descend climbing route. This may require belayed down-climbing and several single rope rappels along ridge, as well as rappels or step-kicking down couloir.

TRIP PROFILE

SEGMENT TIME (HOURS) ELEVATION GAIN (FEET)
Trailhead to Camp 3 3,300
Camp to Summit 6-9 2,300
Summit to Trailhead 8-10

EQUIPMENT

Standard rock gear, ice axe and crampons.

NOTES

  • This climb is very popular and usually crowded. Boston Basin permits are frequently difficult to obtain.
  • Snow often covers the rock until early July. Bergschrunds open up in couloir in late season and can be problematic. Rock routes exist on either side of the couloir.
  • Many parties have had to bivy at the notch at the top of the couloir.

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: Climbing
  • Climbing Category: Intermediate Alpine
  • Seasons: May, June, July, August
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Intermediate Rock Climb
  • Elevation Gain: 5,600 ft
  • 8,815 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Cascade Pass No. 80
  • USGS Forbidden Peak
  • Green Trails Diablo Dam No. 48
  • USGS Cascade Pass
Activities
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