OverviewCrater Mountain is a prominent peak rising north of Hwy. 20 about 5 mi. east of Ross Lake. It has deep valley footings with over 6000' of relief from the highway. Crater is the site of two former fire lookouts. One on the main summit and another on a 7054' point east of the east summit.
Abandoned trails lead to both sites. The name "crater" probably comes
from the mountain's appearance. A massive glacial cirque, holding crater lake, is carved out of the south side of the mountain. The out-of-print classic, Routes and Rocks, names the main summit of Crater as one of the five best viewpoints in the North Cascades!
Getting ThereDrive Hwy. 20 to the Canyon Creek trailhead.(m.p.141.2) Following trail signs, cross Canyon Creek and then Granite Creek on well made footbridges. Hike uphill (N) on trail#738 3.9 mi. to the junction with trail#738B. Follow this abandoned trail approx. 1 mi. to Crater Lk.(camping) From the lake, the trail climbs S.W. on to the S. ridge of the main summit, and follows this ridge N. to the summit. There is a 300'-400' vertical step in the ridge a short distance below the summit. A class 2-3 route(with exposure) is marked out using painted arrows on the rock.
After this steep pitch, the trail resumes up scree slopes to the summit.
Red TapeA Trail Park Pass is required at all trailheads. The mountain is in the Pasayton Wilderness. The usual wilderness area camping restrictions apply. Call the Winthrop ranger station for details on trail conditions, closures, forest fire conditions, ect.
When To ClimbLate July to early October would be best. The area is inaccessible in winter due to closure of Hwy. 20. A spring ascent would likely encounter steep snow.
CampingGood campsites exist on the rocky S. lip of the lake basin. The lake outlet is a good water source. One could also camp on a high plateau area on the S. ridge, although this would be very exposed to the weather and water is a ?.
Mountain ConditionsWinthrop Ranger Station: 509-996-4000
Miscellaneous InfoMaps: Green Trails Mt. Logan #49, USGS Crater Mountain
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