If you are a fitness enthusiast, there are many mountains to climb in the United States, especially in Washington State. Washington is a unique state full of exciting volcanic mountains. The mountains are diverse and vary from easy to climb mountains like Mount Baker to technical mountains like climbing forbidden peaks. Whatever the level, these mountains will push you to your limits as you explore. Not only will they toughen you up, but they’ll keep you in shape. It is not advisable to begin your hiking experience with the Washington Mountains as they are not intended for amateurs. Here are the best mountains to climb in Washington State.
8. Mount Olympus (Jefferson County, WA)
It is the tallest of the Olympic mountains and the most isolated in Washington. Olympus is a beautiful snow-capped mountain that runs through Olympus National Park. Reaching the top of this mountain requires a proficient level of expertise that few climbers possess. The summit of Mount Olympus is part of the triple crown list, which means that the highest peak is at least 5,000 feet. The height is ridiculously high, making it one of the toughest mountains. The reward of reaching the top of this mountain is a 360 degree view of all of Washington and neighboring states.
7. Mount Shuksan (Whatcom County, WA)
It is considered one of the most beautiful mountain panoramas in the world. It is also one of the most photographed mountains. The top of the mountain is high, making it one of the tallest mountains to climb in America. According to Summitpost, there are 14 different routes you can take to get to the top of this mountain. The different routes increase the technicality of climbing this mountain. Prospective mountaineers will need a high level of patience and resilience and be prepared to spend the night as they tackle one of their biggest hiking challenges. The good thing about Mount Shuksan is that climbers can decide the level of difficulty they want based on their level of expertise.
6. Mount Baker (Whatcom County, WA)
It is possible to see this mountain from Seattle on a nice day. Mount Baker is an active mountain, meaning it can erupt at any time. The mountain is glacial and ranked as the third highest mountain in Washington. The mountain peak is 10,778 feet and is covered in snow almost every year. Cold conditions make this a tough mountain to climb, but if you’re up to the task and take the necessary precautions, nothing should stop you from exercising your resilience and prowess. It is a nice peak that beginners can attempt to climb.
5. Eldorado Peak (Skagit County, WA)
Reaching the top of Eldorado is a real adrenaline rush that any mountaineer would dream of. Eldorado Peak is inside the North Cascades National Park. It’s exciting to make a trail around the two-foot-long peak, all the more reason why people love to hike this mountain. The top of the mountain is stunning and gives the mountain an interesting Himalayan shape visible from afar. It takes about a day or two to climb to the top and back. Eldorado is approximately 8 miles long, and the highest peak is 7,000 feet above sea level.
4. Mount Pilchuck (Lake Stevens, WA)
Mount Pilchuck is one of the most popular mountains that people in Washington like to climb. It is close to Seattle and blessed with spectacular views from above and below the mountain. The hiking status is easy to climb and beginner climbers can use it as a springboard to hone their hiking skills. You don’t need years of experience to reach the top of this mountain. Once you reach the top, you will enjoy beautiful scenarios. You will also have the chance to see Mount Pilchuck State Park. According to Trekbaron, tourists must obtain a permit before being allowed to climb the mountain.
3. Abercrombie Mountain (Lake Stevens County, WA)
At 5,100 feet, Abercrombie is one of the best mountains to climb in Washington State. It’s popular among locals because you don’t need to have any technical skills to reach the top. As an easy-to-climb mountain, beginners are recommended to practice hiking using this mountain. At the top, visitors have a view of the valley. Experienced climbers can proceed to hike Mount Hooknose. Hikers should take note of the presence of grizzly bears and take the necessary precautions to avoid any accidents.
2. Tower Mountain (border of Okanogan and Skagit counties, WA)
If you are an experienced climber, challenge yourself to reach the top of this mountain. It is not a popular mountain due to the advanced level of skill required to reach the top. The intimidating boulder tower at the top of the mountain makes it a daunting task to summit. Once at the top, the breathtaking view will make you forget the pain you went through. It is technically easy for a level three climber to reach the top of the summit, but it will require technical finesse to maneuver through the vertical rocks.
1. Baring Mountain (Central Cascade Range, WA)
Climbing Baring Mountain is not for the faint-hearted. Rising 6,125 feet above sea level, it’s one of the steepest mountains you can hike in Washington State. The well-known route you can use to climb to the top is the northwest rim, although it is difficult. According to Tripadvisor, proficient climbers compare Baring Mountain to hiking in Yosemite. Climbers should be extremely careful while ascending this mountain due to its steep nature. Do not attempt to climb the mountain if it is raining as it would be disastrous. You will have to save all the energy, patience and resilience because that is what will get you to the top of this mountain. At the top, you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery to die for, and chances are you won’t want to descend as it’s serene.
