Mount Stuart
Mountain Prominent granite massif in Washington, technical climbs
In Washington’s Cascade Range, Mount Stuart presents technical granite routes and alpine approaches favoured by experienced climbers.
Mount Stuart is a 9,415 ft (2,872 m) peak in the Stuart Range of Washington State and is one of the major granite massifs of the central Cascades. It is a prominent mountaineering and climbing objective noted for steep granite faces and exposed ridges.
The mountain offers a range of routes from strenuous scrambles to technical rock climbs; established trails lead from valley trailheads to alpine basins below the main faces. The summit and ridgelines provide broad views across the Cascades on clear days.
Geologically the peak is a large granitic pluton that has been exposed by uplift and erosion, giving it steep cliffs and talus slopes favored by climbers. The mountain lies within public forest lands in central Washington, with trail access from nearby trailheads.
Mount Stuart is located in the central Washington Cascades, relatively near towns such as Leavenworth and the Wenatchee River corridor.
- Climbing significance: The peak is a major objective for rock climbers and mountaineers in the central Washington Cascades, noted for its large granite walls and ridgelines.
What to See #
- Summit massif: Main summit at 9,415 ft (2,872 m) forms a large granite massif with steep faces and multiple climbing routes-both technical and non-technical.
- Approach trails: Trails begin in forested valleys and lead up to alpine basins and ridgelines; common approaches use established trailheads on the mountain's lower slopes.
How to Get to Mount Stuart #
Primary approaches are from trailheads accessed via State Route 2 (Stevens Pass) or US-2/Highway 97 near Leavenworth; the Stuart Lake trail and Ingalls Way lead into common base-camping areas. Check the U.S. Forest Service for current trail and permit information.
Tips for Visiting Mount Stuart #
- Approach via the Stuart Range trailheads from Stevens Pass or the Icicle Gorge area for maintained routes.
- Expect steep, loose talus on the standard scramble routes-experience in route-finding and alpine scrambling recommended.
- Summit attempts should start early to avoid afternoon storms that are common in the Cascades.
Best Time to Visit Mount Stuart #
Summer is the best time for non-technical climbs and scrambling; late spring may require snow travel skills.
Weather & Climate near Mount Stuart #
Mount Stuart's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1778 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -11°C. Heavy rain (263 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (195 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Heavy rain (252 mm).
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December
December is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (276 mm).
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