OverviewGolden Horn is located in the Okanogan National Forest just North of Rainy and Washington Pass. As evident from its name the peak's rock has a striking color. It offers great views to the west and north into the North Cascades mountain ranges and to the south into the Glacier Peak region. It is a relatively easy climb and due to its nice setting receives quite a few visitors. Tower Mountain is located just south of Golden Horn and can be climbed from the same camp.
Golden Horn Panorama |
Getting There  Golden Larches on the way
From Winthrop (East Side of the Cascades): Drive East on Highway 20 for about 35 miles, on the way you head over Washington Pass which is an excellent stop for views and photos. At Rainy Pass take a right onto National Forest Development Road 600 which is a short distance to the trailhead.
If you prefer a bushwhacking approach you can start from the pull out at Swamp Creek on Highway 20 (3 miles before you get to Rainy Pass). If you are coming from the east, you can park at the Cutthroat Lake trailhead and follow Cutthroat Lake trail to PCNST.Route InformationThe adventure starts out as a nice trail walk through the woods with clearings which you can see Black Peak, Corteo Peak, and a few others. There is only one main creek crossing on the entire trip near the beginning which is easy (last time I was here there was a log crossing).
The Trail |
As your hiking along you may encounter many hikers hiking to Canada, after all your on the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail remains nice and smooth all the way to Cutthroat Pass, about a mile before the Pass there is a nice place for camping with a creek for filtering water. At the pass alone you are rewarded with great views of the North Cascades extending from Hinkhouse Peak, Silverstar, Cutthroat Peak, and in the distance you can see Dome Peak.
Just before the Pass |
Sunrise near the Pass |
Dome Peak |
The Golden Pathway |
Tower Mountain |
From Cutthroat Pass be sure to go left (North East) which now traverses Point 7331. Eventually after traversing onto the other side of the mountain you start to loose elevation going down to Granite Pass, which the trail zig zags a lot.
Tower Mountain Panorama |
After Granite Pass the trail gently traverses the bottom of Tower Mountain. The trail eventually dips towards Snowy Lakes (North) which there is a unlabeled turn off trail. From here the trail takes you to snowy lakes which I give it the nickname "Snowy Lakes Basin". There are some excellent choices for camping here, as well as a nice place to relax and enjoy the good views. But don't stop here, the views get better on Golden Horn (although you loose some of the fall Golden Larches as you go higher).
Mount Hardy with Golden Larches |
Lower Snowy Lake Panorama |
Upper Snowy Lake Panorama |
Snowy Lake with Tower Mountain |
Beyond the lakes the trail goes away (although you might get small traces of it for a little while), head in the general direction of Golden Horn staying lower to avoid some upper rock scree and such. The way I climbed Golden Horn was diagonally going across the scree field. Then once you get to the final ridge you may be intimidated by Golden Horn's steep face, I know I sure was, but keep going. Traverse around the edge of Golden Horn until your on it's Southwest side. Here's were it gets interesting, this part is a class 2-3 scramble which you take the gully on the left, I made the mistake of taking the one on the right and traversed a sketchy part to go around the East Face of Golden Horn. Once your next to the summit you may notice some repel rings, if you brought a rope, now is the time to use it. If your feeling comfortable enough you can climb this without a rope, but remember there is also the way down you have to deal with. Although I did touch the summit of Golden Horn, I never actually stood on it due to how unflat it is and the exposure all around. From the summit you are rewards with great views of the North Cascades. Congrats, you earned it!
The Ridge up Golden Horn |
The Last Few Feet |
Looking West |
Views of Hinkhouse Peak during Sunset on the way Back |
Red TapeA Northwest Forest Pass is required at the trailhead. There is no need for a backcountry permit because this peak is not located in the North Cascades National Park.Gear to Bring-10 Essentials
-Rope and Harness (optional) Keep in mind this is Fred Beckey's Class 3 which means 10-15 feet of low class 5. I did this part unroped but had to carefully descend the top and hold on to the repel slings. The rest of my group did not feel comfortable without a rope to summit.
-Ice Ace (if early season)
-Tent (if your staying overnight as well as over night gear)
-Helmet (optional) You do travel into a gully section near the summit which I've seen people bring helmets.When To ClimbBest times to climb are July through October. Although the long and wide scree slope would make a great ski, of course if you can get to it .
CampingThere are excellent campsites along the PCNST and especially at the Snowy Lakes area right at the base of the mountain.
Mountain ConditionsFor Weather information check in with the Noaa Forecast.
For Avalanche forecast's check in with the North West Avalanche Center.
Click here for road conditions for Rainy Pass and Washington Pass.Topographic Maps 
Upper Golden Horn Map |
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Lower Golden Horn Map |
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External Trip Reports
Also for more trip reports here are some from Washington Trails Association's website. Images
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North Cascades
