Mount Shuksan
Mountain Prominent Cascade Range peak with jagged glaciated summit
Near North Cascades National Park, Mount Shuksan is sought by photographers and climbers for glacier‑clad faces, technical alpine routes and wildflower meadows on lower slopes.
Mount Shuksan is a rugged, heavily glaciated massif in the North Cascades of Washington State, United States, with a summit elevation of 2,783 metres (9,131 feet).
It is well known for steep ridges, extensive glaciers and classic alpine climbing routes; nontechnical approaches provide access to lower slopes while technical routes require mountaineering experience.
The peak is one of the most photographed in the Cascade Range, particularly for its mirrored image in Picture Lake and for views from Artist Point and nearby high-elevation roads.
Located in northwest Washington, it sits near the Mount Baker area within the North Cascades region and is accessed from roadheads serving the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and adjacent protected areas.
- Elevation and photographic fame: Summit elevation is 2,783 metres (9,131 feet) and the mountain is a highly photographed subject in the North Cascades.
- Best viewpoints: Iconic reflections of the peak appear in Picture Lake and other small tarns on its northwestern approach, making certain viewpoints extremely popular with photographers.
How to Get to Mount Shuksan #
Access from the Mount Baker Highway and road approaches via Artist Point (seasonal). Trailheads in the Mount Baker‑Snoqualmie and North Cascades areas provide further access; check National Park Service for permits and conditions.
Tips for Visiting Mount Shuksan #
- Artist Point and the Mount Shuksan views are busiest at sunrise and late summer - go early for good light and fewer people.
- Shuksan involves glacier travel on the Sulphide or White Salmon glaciers - experience, crampons and ropes required for those routes.
- Check National Park Service alerts for trail and weather conditions before heading into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Best Time to Visit Mount Shuksan #
Best in mid‑ to late summer (July-September) for stable conditions and accessible trails; permits may be needed for overnight trips.
Weather & Climate near Mount Shuksan #
Mount Shuksan's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -11°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1778 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -11°C. Heavy rain (242 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (182 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (247 mm).
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December
December is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -11°C. Heavy rain (244 mm).
