Courtney Peak is located in the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness to the east of Lake Chelan. This summit isn't quite as tall as nearby Star and Oval Peaks but it is often regarded to have the best view in the wilderness.

The cliffs of the north face of Star Peak lie to the southeast and this aspect of Star is very impressive. To the northeast you see Oval Peak which appears to loom high above you despite being only a few hundred feet higher than Courtney. To your west looking down the vertical cliffs of Courtney you see the Oval Lakes basin; a beautiful alpine setting of three lakes surrounded by larch trees. This place must be spectacular in the fall when the larches are at their peak.

The cliffs of Star Peak from the summit of Courtney Peak

You can also get unobstructed views to the northwest of the big glaciated peaks of the North Cascades. You may be higher than most of those peaks standing on Courtney but you know there is much more work required to summit many of the peaks to your west. Take a moment to realize how big the Cascade rain shadow effect is while you stand atop Courtney.

Panorama from Courtney Peak showing Oval and Star Peaks

You can be atop Courtney or any nearby peak in early July with relative ease while only 50 miles to your northwest you may need full expedition gear to climb something in the Pickett Range.

Courtney Peak from just below Star Lake showing Oval and Star Peaks

This summit is worth your while and won't disappoint any time of year.

Getting There

To get to this area you will most likely have to pack in. Great backpacking campsites are found within Star Basin or in the meadows just below the basin slightly off the trail. However you decide to get to the area you must get to Fish Creek Pass. To get to Fish Creek pass drive from Twisp, WA west on the Twisp River Road for about 10 miles and turn left onto West Buttermilk Creek road. At the "Y" in the road veer right onto East Buttermilk Creek road and go 3 miles before veering right on Road 500. Follow this road almost 3 miles to the trailhead. This pass has a trail leading up to it but in early or late season and in the winter you will be walking on snow. Follow this trail to the pass.

Oval Lakes Basin from Courtney Peak

Once at the pass take a minute to look at Star Peak from here. The cliffs above you make you feel very small. This view is very photogenic and is the best in early fall. Larch trees can be seen as far as the eye can pick up detail.

Oval Peak and east Oval Lake

From Fish Creek Pass start heading northwest up the obvious ridge. From the pass it is about 1000 feet vertical on easy class 2 terrain. We even noticed a good game trail or climbers path most of the way. Near the top the terrain gets a little more rocky and approaches class 2+ but still very doable.

The cliffs of Star Peak from near Fish Creek pass

From its summit you have unsurpassed views of nearly the entire Cascade Range. Three volcanoes can be seen as well. Rainier, Glacier Peak and Baker poke high above the surrounding Cascade crags.

If you ever find yourself in this area take the time to summit Courtney and you will find yourself in an unforgettable location.

Mass of North Cascade Peaks from Courtney

Red Tape

This area is in the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness area and like other wilderness areas there are no motorized things allowed. Pack in on the nice trails and take time to enjoy the many alpine lakes that abound.

Please pack out all trash. Keep the area pristine for all to enjoy.

Camping

Designated campgrounds in this area are few and far between and mostly stay near the bigger rivers and creek very low in elevation where there are good Forest Service roads present. If you backpack in you can get quite creative where you decide to camp.

External Links

For current weather and a forecast at the top of Courtney Peak see this link:
Weather Forecast

For a good trip report of Courtney and the surrounding area see this link:
Courtney Peak

Images