Climb Mount Stuart

Global climbing legend Fred Beckey once said, "[Mount Stuart is] without a rival as the crown peak in the central Cascades of Washington, Mount Stuart has been pronounced the single greatest mass of exposed granite in the United States".

To ascend the mountain by is easiest route, the Cascading Couloir, one must be prepared to gain 8,300ft over what is often rugged, loose, exposed and remarkably beautiful terrain. Be advised, a minor slip or route finding error may have serious consequences.

Begin by parking at the Esmerelda Basin Trailhead. Hike up and over Longs Pass to the Horse Camp near Ingalls Creek. I reccomend staying here overnight.

EARLY the next morning head east out of camp until you see a trail leading to climbers left. It is marked with a cairn and begins ascending the meadow leading into the rockslide, which leads into Cascadian Couloir.

Hike the Couloir following a faint climbers path or climb over rock of varying degrees of difficulty until you reach the notch where you can view the Sherpa Glacier.

From there, gain the south side of the false summit (at climbers left) and pass over a series of enormous rock ribs until the true summit is in view. Traverse over to the summit by linking weaknesses in the mountain about 50-100 ft below the skyline. Once you arrive at the airy summit horn, allow the overwhelming sense of accomplishment, peace and serenity found there to flow through you, this step is essential.

Descend the way you came. Be very careful to retrace your route as descending the wrong coulior could potentially be disastrous. And give yourself plenty of time for the return trip since you have to cross over Longs Pass again.

DO NOT THROW ROCKS, Climbers are present below on ALL aspects of this mountain.