Overview
Whittier Peak is the second highest mountain on the famed Poet's Ridge in Glacier Peak Wilderness. It is striking from the top of the Poe Mountain trail, and its remoteness ensures that it is climbed by only a handful of parties each year. The trip to Whittier puts you into the heart of great wilderness. In fact, you will be passing through two different wilderness areas. Poets Ridge forms the boundary between Henry M. Jackson Wilderness in the west, and Glacier Peak Wilderness in the east. So you will begin your climb in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, but summit in Glacier Peak Wilderness.
An ascent of Whittier can be combined (over multiple days) with that of the entire Poet's Ridge, including Bryant Peak, Whittier, Longfellow, Poe Mountain, and Irving Peak. Additionally, the unusual perspective of this area offers unique views of Glacier Peak, the Dakobed Range, and the Monte Cristo Peaks. This is a long, hard day, but the rewards really are great.
Technically, it is a moderate scramble, with some class 3 on loose rock gaining the summit ridge. The real challenge, however, is the elevation gain. With ups and downs, you will gain over 6,000 feet in the 14-mile round trip from the car.
Getting There
Whittier from Saddle
Once on top of the summit ridge, it's an easy scramble to the summit.
Take the Poe Mountain Trail 3 miles, gaining 3000 feet to gain the ridge. Turn left (north) on the Poet's Ridge Trail, traversing north below the cliffs of Longfellow. The trail drops nearly 800 feet north of Longfellow.
After dropping the 800 feet, the trail begins to climb again through trees. Again, the trail will lose another 200 feet in elevation, skirting cliffs to the east. Once beyond the cliffs, leave the trail, and climb straight east to reach a saddle. Drop over the other side into a large basin, losing another 500 feet in the process. Traverse the basin to reach cliffs guarding the summit ridge of Whittier Peak. This will be the crux of the climb. Find the easiest route through the cliffs (class 3) to gain the summit ridge, then scramble easily to the summit. A strong party will require one very long day (12-14 hours) to complete the climb.
Time from car to summit: 7-8 hours
Distance from car to summit: 7 miles
Red Tape and Camping
Class 3 gully to summit Ridge from basin
Whittier Peak peaking up above Poets Ridge
Traversing Back South
The actual summit is quite airy.
The road will be closed in the winter beyond Lake Wenatchee.
For further information, contact the U.S. Forest Service at:
U.S. Forest Service
Lake Wenatchee Ranger District
509-763-3103
There are numerous "self-serve" campsites on the Little Wenatchee Road, available for a nominal fee. Be sure to arrive early on a Friday to find a spot.
In addition, camping is possible on Poet's Ridge or in the basin between the saddle and Whittier Peak. However, there is no water on Poet's Ridge, and any camping would have to take place before mid-July to take advantage of any snow banks.
As previously mentioned, this peak is infrequently climbed. In fact, when we climbed it (June of 2003), there was no summit register at all. One in our climbing party put one up the following week, writing in our names. As of last count, only a few names per year are entered into the register.
.When To Climb
TOPO! software image
In addition, snow cover in the basin leading to Whittier's summit ridge makes traversing the basin much easier. A June scramble is ideal.
For snow conditions, contact the Lake Wentachee Recreation Club at:
Lake Wenatchee Recreation Club
Also, webcams are available from the Washington State Department of Transportation at:
Stevens Pass Web Cam
