Route to Castle Mountain via West Fork : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Approach

West Fork of the Rock Creek from Red Lodge, Montana.

Route Description

The most common route to climb Castle Mountain is up the West Fork of the Rock Creek. A good place for base camp is near Shadow Lake or the Silt Lakes. This hike round trip from the base camp can take upwards to 12hrs so start early. First get yourself to Omega Lake and climb up the glacier to the saddle. Crampons and ice axe are a must for the glacier or you can go around the glacier on the rocks to the right, but it takes much longer. At the top of the saddle take a right and crest over the ridgeline. This next part is actually just about the hardest part of the hike, but traverse your way down and over to the snow glacier that is in the valley bottom. You will save much time if you hike straight up this glacier. So again crampons are very handy. Beware of false summits, it's actually quite a ways over and you'll know you've gotten there when you see the elevation marker in a rock.

On this hike you are very exposed to the elements so start early and beware of afternoon weather. You really don't know what the weather looks like tell after you reach the saddle above Omega Lake. Once you cross the saddle beware of high winds.

Omega Lake and Saddle

South Side Glacier

Essential Gear

A rope is not required. Crampons and ice axe are highly recommended and will save you a lot of time.

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