Cathedral Peak and Amphitheater Mountain (Fall 2026)

Activity Notes

Cathedral Peak and Amphitheatre Mountain are located in the Pasayten Wilderness, an over 500,000 acre expanse in North-central Washington just east of the North Cascades. The peaks are close to the border with Canada, and far from paved roads. The location of these two peaks is a magical place of open, rolling summits (the Pasayten contains over 150 peaks above 7,500’) and constitutes a key wildlife corridor between the northern Rockies and the Cascades.

Cathedral Peak is 8,601’ high, and the 42nd highest peak in Washington. Amphitheater Mountain is 8,358’ high, and the 85th highest peak in Washington. While 5th class routes have been established on the steep faces of both mountains, we will summit via scramble/walk-ups, with short stretches of 4th class scrambling near the peaks. There may be some exposure, and we may decide to set up a fixed line, belay, and/or rappel.

The total mileage and elevation gain is approximately 47 miles and 13, 500 feet. This is as much a backpacking trip as a climb. Larch trees are one of the main Fall attractions of this area, though they will likely not yet have started turning color at the time of our visit.

The trip schedule is:

• Days 1 and 2 -- backpack to Cathedral Lake
• Days 3 -- climb
• Days 4 and 5 -- return to the trailhead

Team members should plan to drive up the day before the trip and to drive home the day after the trip (approximately 8 hours drive time each way).

This trip is exploratory for the leader.