Overview
Round Trip Distance: 10 Miles
Elevations Gain: 2900 Feet
This mountain gets its name from the obvious red color of the rock that it is made from. The mountain is one of many in the 5500 to 6500 foot level in the area. This makes it possible to do multiple ascents in one day. Snoqualmie Mountain is one possibility.
The first 4.5 miles or so of the route has a gradual 2000 foot elevation gain, but the last half mile contains 900 feet or elevation gain and is a very enjoyable rock scramble at an inclination between 30-40 degrees nearly all the way to the summit.
Getting There
From I-90 take exit 52, West Summit exit at Snoqualmie Pass stay on Alpental Road and cross the freeway. Once on the other side of the freeway the Pacific Crest Trail head parking lot will be on the right in a few hundred feet down the road.
Getting to the base of the mountain takes most of the effort. Take the Pacific Crest Trail for about 2.5 miles where it meets with Trail 1033, Commonwealth Creek Trail. Follow this trail all the way to the base of the mountain and the shore of a small pond. When approching this mountain it will become very apparent which one is red mountain, its the only red mountain in sight.
From the pond continue up the side of the mountain until you reach the summit. Decend the same route.
Red Tape
A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.
When To Climb
The best climbing season is June through October just like most other mountians in the Washington cascades. A winter acent is possible but with the slope of the mountain being 30-40 degrees avalance danger can be high at times.
mvs adds: "Winter is actually a very good time to climb the mountain, but be certain that avalanche danger is low. You want cold and clear conditions, and you should get a pre-dawn start. It is not steep enough to require a second tool, but knowledge of crampons and ice axe are important."
Camping
I would do this one as a day hike but I believe that there are camping sites on the PCT just down the trail from the parking lot.
Mountain Conditions
Mountain Reports
Washington State Mountain Report
Web Cams
External LinksImages
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