Washington Pass  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  48.5123, -120.654 Map Page Views:  111,042. Good page?    Administrators:  Peter Franzen, Kristine Hoffman, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Lizzy Trower on Jan 30, 2006 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue 64° | 45° 66° | 43° 72° | 45° 72° | 46° 75° | 48°

Washington Pass shrouded in clouds, a little unusu...

Description 

Washington Pass includes some spectacular and more easily accessible alpine climbs, ranging in difficulty from the South Arete of South Early Winter (5.4) to the ultra-classic Liberty Crack on Liberty Bell (free at 5.13a, otherwise 5.10b A3). The area is comprised (north to south) of Liberty Bell Mountain (7720'), Concord Tower (7560'), Lexington Tower (7560'), North Early Winter Spire (7760'), and South Early Winter Spire (7807'). The quality of the rock is in general great and the summit views excellent. The best season for climbing here is late June through September. Snow and ice might still be present early in the season.

Getting There 

From Twisp, drive north on Highway 20 through Mazama and up to Washington Pass. The highway takes a very obvious hairpin turn just below the peaks. The east faces are best approached by parking at the Washington Pass Overlook and ascending a trail starting across the road from the pullout. The west faces are more easily approached by driving a little further up Highway 20 and parking in the lot for the Blue Lake Trail. The climbers' trail breaks off left from the main Blue Lake trail as it bends right towards the lake.

The Classics

Featured Route For Washington Pass

Northwest Corner (a.k.a. Boving-Pollack Route) 5.9  WA : North Cascades : ... : North Early Winter Spire

Typically done in 5 pitches, some can be strung together to do it in 4. There are some wide bits, but they are actually quite fun and don't require the use of wide crack techniques. The climb starts by scrambling up a trail traversing north along the base of North Early Winter to the base of a corner/crack that leads up to a ledge with lots of trees. P1 - Climb the crack/corner to the ledge. Part of it is a chimney that doesn't have much in terms of protection, but this section is short and fair...[more]   Browse More Classics in WA

Photos of Washington Pass Slideshow

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The popular backside (westside) of WA Pass. From ...	Washington Pass overview	Highline rigged between South and North Early Wint...
the wine spires as viewed from SEWS	The Washington Pass summits cast a shadow below