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Ralph A. Haugerud and Rowland W. Tabor CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Bonanza Peak (Washington)

Mountain

A glaciated peak in Washington State's North Cascades, Bonanza Peak challenges mountaineers with steep ice and rock routes; climbers come for technical ascents and remote alpine terrain.

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In this guide

Bonanza Peak (Washington) essentials

Address: Bonanza Peak, Okanogan County / North Cascades region, Washington, USA
Hours: Open access (no set hours)
Admission: Free to access; technical climbing permits or guide fees may apply for guided ascents
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Bonanza Peak (Washington)

Best attempted in high summer when snow and glacier travel are more predictable; climb only with proper mountaineering experience or a certified guide.

Summer (Jul-Sep)
July-September · 0-15°C (at higher elevations)
Most stable weather and snow-free routes, but late-season glacial travel may still be required.
Late Spring (May-Jun)
May-June · -5-10°C
Snowpack can make routes avalanche-prone; approach windows are variable.

Weather & Climate near Bonanza Peak (Washington)

Climate

Bonanza Peak (Washington)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -13°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1622 mm/year), wettest in December.

Air Quality: AQI 32 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
15°
Warmest Month
-13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -13° - -4° -15° 225 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
February - -11° - -2° -12° 168 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
March - -10° - -3° -12° 147 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
April - -8° - 0° -9° 98 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
May - -4° - 4° -4° 100 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
June - -1° - 9° 1° 95 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
July - 2° - 14° 5° 57 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
August - 3° - 15° 7° 66 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
September - 0° - 11° 3° 81 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
October - -5° - 6° -4° 132 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
November - -10° - -2° -11° 222 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
December - -13° - -5° -15° 231 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Bonanza Peak (Washington)

Access is typically via backcountry routes in the North Cascades. The approach depends on the chosen route; many parties start from trailheads in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest or through glacier-access roads. Nearest towns with services include Winthrop and Twisp; detailed route planning and permits for overnight stays may be required.

Tips for Visiting Bonanza Peak (Washington)

  • This is a remote, technical peak - hire a local guide with glacier experience if planning a climb.
  • Approach routes cross glaciers and steep terrain; check current avalanche and glacier conditions with local ranger stations.
  • Plan for a multi-day expedition with established basecamp and carry emergency communications (satellite or PLB).