Cashmere Mountain

Put simply, the standard route ascends southern slopes past several small lakes and ends on the upper west ridge with class 3 and 4 scrambling. The total distance is 16 or 18 miles depending on which route variation you choose. See the route section for more details. Good winter and early spring ski touring can be found on Cashmere's northern slopes, in the Doctor Creek Area. Most hikers will prefer to make Cashmere a 2 day trip with a pleasant night spent near one of the lakes. Alternatively, the very fittest will be able to do it as a day trip.

Route Map

Standard Route - West Ridge

From the Eightmile Lake Trailhead (3280 feet), follow the trail up the drainage to the first junction at Little Eightmile Lake (4404 feet). Turn right (north) at the junction and ascend switchbacks through an old burned section of open forest and brushy slopes.

After gaining 2000 feet, a small pass is encountered. Descend 150 to Lake Caroline (6190 feet). The trail contours the east shore of the lake. Beyond Lake Caroline, pass by Little Caroline Lake before encountering more earnest elevation gain. At 6600 feet you will have to make a decision when the trail rounds a bend on a gentle east ridge.

The conventional way to proceed is to follow the trail northeast to Windy Pass at 7220 feet. Doing so will add roughly 2 miles to you round-trip distance. An unconventional possibility is to drop 80 feet off-trail into the broad flat basin to the northwest. If you are attempting to do Cashmere in a day, then this is a wise choice. The route map above displays both route options.


When coming from Windy Pass, turn north and follow the ridge over Point 7555 and then the west peak (Point 8279) or bypass the west peak by traversing the south slope. The next object is to reach the col between the west peak and the main peak.


When coming from the broad flat basin, ascend off-trail in a northeasterly direction through grasses, easy brush, small groups of trees, and creeks until you reach a smaller flat meadow at 7100 feet. Cross the meadow and continue northeast until you gain the crest of a rocky south ridge around 7500 feet. This ridge makes for easy travel. Follow the ridge north until you reach 8000 feet. Then traverse east over large talus until you come to the col between the west peak and the main peak. This is where the two route variations join.

Scrambling down a gully

Approaching one of several false summits

At or near to the col you will have an exciting view of the main peak. A small bootpath leads through the col and initially up around to the north. The upper west ridge is a series of tooth like points separated by five main gaps. The scramble route passes through several of these gaps, switching from the north to the south and then back to the north, but it rarely follows the crest.


Generally speaking, the rock on the north side is more stable but most of the route is on the south side of the ridge. It might be possible to puzzle out a route which is entirely class 3, but most accounts admit to a few class 4 moves, usually near where the scrambling begins. There are exposed ledges and steep scramble gullies to contend with, all very enjoyable. As the route negotiates the various gaps, often what appears to be the summit is revealed to be another false summit. You will know the right one when you get there. There is a summit register.


NOTE: Access to the final scramble may be problematic in early season.  Bring an ice ax and crampons if in doubt.  Also bring your helmet regardless of the season.

Getting There

From the town of Leavenworth on Highway 2, head up Icicle Road 8.4 miles to Bridge Creek Campground. Turn left onto Forest Road 7600 and then keep right at the fork onto Forest Road 7601 just before crossing the river.  Continue another 2.8 miles up a dirt road to the Eightmile Lake trailhead.

Red Tape / Camping

Like all areas in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, you must purchase a permit to park at the Eightmile Lake Trailhead. Permits can be obtained by contacting the Leavenworth Ranger Station. Additional fees apply for climbers wishing to camp in the area.