Mount StuartAbout Mount Stuart
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -11° - -3° | -13° | 263 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -10° - -2° | -11° | 195 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -9° - -2° | -10° | 168 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -7° - 1° | -8° | 115 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -3° - 5° | -3° | 97 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 0° - 10° | 2° | 92 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 3° - 15° | 7° | 46 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 4° - 17° | 10° | 56 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 2° - 12° | 4° | 80 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -3° - 7° | -2° | 138 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -8° - -1° | -9° | 252 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -11° - -3° | -13° | 276 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
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.