Robinson is a bulky mountain with many minor false summits along its main ridge. It is one of the highest peaks in the Pasayten wilderness and provides a commanding view both far and near. The entire North Cascades are visible as well as many peaks well into Canada. The purplish rock on this mountain is very pretty and contrasts nicely with the snow of early Summer. Due to it`s proximity away from large cities, Robinson receives only occational visitation and can be a sunny escape from the clouds of the West side. The SE ridge is the route of choice for most people and is solid class 2 with some minor class 3 near the top. Beckey refers to this as a classic scramble route and I would have to agree. The route encompasses many different facets of mountaineering including pleasant off-trail travel, moderately steep snow slopes and fun exposed rock near the summit.

Getting There

Drive highway 20 to the little town of Mazama. Turn left at the "T" and follow the road next to the Methow river towards Harts Pass. At around 9 miles from hwy 20 cross Robinson creek and turn right into the trailhead parking. Hike the trail, at 1 1/4 mile cross Robinson creek, and at 3 miles cross beauty creek on a well built bridge. 10 feet West of Beauty creek leave the main trail and find a beat in climbers path on the right that ascends steeply next to a series of waterfalls. At 4,300 ft the switchbacks relent and the route starts a traverse into the Beauty creek drainage. At 5,200 ft cross a creek that decends from lake basin above and head NW up a steep open grassy slope, following the creek up. Reach the lip of the basin at around 6,200 ft and continue to the lake at 6,600 ft. ( campspots)

Red Tape

There is not really any red tape to speak of. Just the NW forest pass is required to park at the trailhead. This is lonelsome country, where the deer outnumber the people.

When To Climb

This makes a good Spring trip when other trailheads are still snowed-in and the weather is usually better on this side of the crest. Summer would probably be the most beautiful time to come, when the lake has thawed and the wild flowers are in bloom. Although I wouldn`t write off early October either when the many Larch trees in the basin have turned gold.

Camping

Camping is allowed anywhere you can find a place to camp, keeping in mind the basic rules concerning water and meadows. There are plenty of camps along Robinson creek but would recommend camping up high in the lake basin.

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