What are the mountains in Washington and Oregon? From Mt. Hood to Mt. Baker and everything in between, the Cascade Mountain Range is prominent throughout the Pacific Northwest.
What mountains make up the Cascade Mountain Range, and where exactly are they? Oregon, and especially Washington, are well known for having some truly spectacular mountains. Running down the center of both states is one of the largest mountain ranges in the country, the Cascades. It includes the largest mountains in both Washington and Oregon (Can you name them??) and many even more spectacular peaks in between.
The Pacific Northwest Mountains are some of the country's most beautiful and, at times, terrifying. They have attracted mountaineers for generations who quest after the very hard to achieve summits. Keep reading to explore the amazing mountains and routes in Washington and Oregon, along with facts about these peaks.
Map of Mountains in Washington and Oregon
Where are Washington and Oregon's mountains? Use the map below to find out!
Important Mountains in Washington
What mountains are in Washington? Which are the tallest, and which are beginner friendly?
Washington has a little of everything when it comes to experienced and beginner mountaineering, scrambling, and hiking (or just sightseeing if climbing mountains isn't your thing!). Here are a few of the most important mountains in Washington:
Mount Rainier (Tahoma)
Location: Pierce and Lewis Counties
Height: 14,417'
Rising to an incredible 14,417 ft, Rainier can be seen throughout the Pacific Northwest and is on the "to-do" list of mountaineers worldwide. It's certainly one of the most important mountains in Washington and in the whole of the Pacific Northwest.
Mount Rainier in Washington is a stratovolcano located around 59 miles from Seattle. The mountain also boasts 26 major glaciers and two volcanic craters.
Today the mountain is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world!
Did you know? Mount Rainier also features on Traverse the Pacific Northwest's 10 of the Best Mountains to Climb in the Pacific Northwest.
Mount St. Helens (Loowit)
Location: Skamania County
Height: 8,363'
Who doesn't know about Mt. St. Helens?! This unforgettable mountain is high on everyone's list of notable mountains in Washington. The mountain permanently (and very violently!) marked itself into the history books after erupting on May 18th, 1980.
The terrifying and mesmerizing event killed fifty-seven people and destroyed around 200 homes. Debris from the eruption can still be seen around the mountain's barren slopes.
Throughout the year, you'll see climbers make their way to the summit of the mountain but climbs in the summer are far more popular. So much so that there is a permit system in place to prevent the mountain from becoming overrun with hikers.
Did you know? You can ski down Mount St. Helens in the winter!
Mount Adams (Pahto)
Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington
Height: 12,281'
Mount Adams is the 2nd tallest mountain in Washington and is notorious among mountaineers for being a long, sluggish climb up never-ending snow. But that doesn't impact its overwhelming beauty and near-constant presence on the Washington skyline. If you've ever visited the border of Washington and Oregon, you'll know its silhouette (and that of Mount St. Helens!) very well.
It is one of the least technical mountain climbs in the state. That being said, no one should come to Adams thinking it's going to be a walk in the park. Crampons, an ice ax, and a helmet are necessary throughout the year.
Mount Baker (Koma Kulshan)
Location: Whatcom County, Washington
Height: 10,786 ft
Also known as "P-kowitz," meaning "White Mountain," Mount Baker is one of the crown jewels of the North Cascade Mountain Range. The active stratovolcano is located around 30 miles from Bellingham. It is heavily covered in glaciers, second only to Mount Rainier.
Like the mountains on the Oregon border, Mt. Baker is very hard to miss if you're in northern Washington (or throughout much of the state, for that matter!) Its enormous flanks make it very obvious among the skinnier peaks of the North Cascades.
If you're looking for your first technical mountain climb in Washington, Baker is a surprisingly great place to start.
Location: Whatcom County
Height: 9,131′
Mount Shuksan is a truly distinct mountain in Washington that's usually visible alongside Mount Baker. It's part of North Cascades National Park and is located at the edge of Mount Baker Scenic Byway. The mountain is often viewed from Baker Lake.
The name is derived from the Lummi word meaning "high peak" and is known for its 3-sided summit pyramid of rock. From the summit, you can see Mount Triumph, Mount Despair, Mount Blum, Mount Terror, and Church Mountain, among many others.
The first ascent of the mountain is attributed to Ashael Curtis and W. Montelius Pirce in 1906.
Glacier Peak
Location: Snohomish County
Height: 10,541'
Glacier Peak, located in Snohomish County, Washington, is one of the major stratovolcanoes in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest. Standing at a height of 10,541 feet (3,213 meters), it is known for its remote and rugged beauty.
Glacier Peak is characterized by its massive glaciers, which give the mountain its name, and its symmetrical volcanic cone.
The peak is part of the Glacier Peak Wilderness, offering a pristine and wild environment for hikers and mountaineers. It features challenging and technical routes, including glacier travel and steep ridges, making it a sought-after destination for experienced climbers.
Bonanza Peak
Location: Chelan County
Height: 9,511'
Bonanza Peak, located in Chelan County, Washington, is a prominent peak in the North Cascades Range of the Pacific Northwest. Standing at a height of 9,511 feet (2,899 meters), it is known for its rugged and remote wilderness setting. Bonanza Peak offers a challenging and rewarding climb for experienced mountaineers.
The mountain features a variety of technical routes, including glacier travel and exposed ridges, making it a popular destination for those seeking adventure in the North Cascades. The summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Bonanza Peak offers a true wilderness experience.
Mount Stuart
Location: Chelan County
Height: 9,415'
Mount Stuart is one of the prominent peaks in the Cascade Range and the highest non-volcanic peak in the state. Standing at a height of 9,415 feet (2,870 meters), it is renowned for its majestic beauty and challenging climbing routes.
Mount Stuart is characterized by its distinct rocky ridges and spires, making it a favorite among mountaineers seeking technical and exhilarating ascents.
The mountain offers a variety of routes that cater to different skill levels, from moderate scrambles to demanding alpine climbs. The summit rewards climbers with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and alpine lakes.
Important Mountains in Oregon
While Washington might have a higher concentration of tall mountains, Oregon has its fair share of truly beautiful peaks. Keep reading to explore a few of the most important mountains in Oregon.
Mount Hood (Wy'east)
Location: Clackamas/Hood River Counties
Height: 11,249 feet
If you know about any mountain in Oregon, it's very likely Mount Hood. Mount Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon and the most prominent for residents of Portland.
It's very well-known for holding Timberline Lodge, one of the most popular skiing and snowboarding locations in Oregon. While it might seem accessible, the climb is very dangerous and should not be taken lightly.
South Sister
Location: Lane and Deschutes counties
Height: 10,358 ft
The South Sister climb is a Pacific Northwest classic. With only 4,900 feet of gain and a long season, South Sister sees hundreds of summits a year.
The mountain is ever-present in central Oregon, as are its two sisters. Nearby, you'll find several other of the best mountains to climb in Oregon.
The views from the top are nearly unbeatable when it comes to mountains in Oregon. You'll be able to see for miles and miles on clear days.
Mount Jefferson (Seekseekqua)
Location: Jefferson, Linn, and Marion Counties, Oregon
Height: 10,502 ft
Mount Jefferson is a Central Oregon stratovolcano and the second-highest mountain in Oregon after Mt. Hood.
Mount Jefferson has a reputation for being dangerous, unpredictable, and covered in loose rock. It is only for the most experienced mountaineers who are willing to spend up to 20+ hours climbing and descending the peak.
North Sister
Location: Lane and Deschutes Counties
Height: 10,085'
North Sister, located in Deschutes County, Oregon, is a prominent peak in the Three Sisters Wilderness area. Standing at a height of 10,085 feet (3,074 meters), it is the most rugged and challenging of the three peaks in the area. North Sister is known for its distinctive jagged and steep rock formations, earning it the nickname "Faith" due to the faith required to climb it.
The mountain offers a thrilling adventure for experienced mountaineers, with technical climbing routes that include exposed ridges, glaciers, and challenging rock faces.
Middle Sister
Location: Lane and Deschutes Counties
Height: 10,047'
Middle Sister is one of the three prominent peaks in the Three Sisters Wilderness area, along with North Sister and South Sister. Standing at a height of 10,047 feet (3,062 meters), it is slightly lower than its neighboring peaks but no less impressive.
Middle Sister is characterized by its conical shape and volcanic features, with a distinct summit cone. The mountain offers various climbing routes, ranging from moderate to challenging, attracting both experienced mountaineers and adventurous hikers. Its stunning alpine scenery, including glaciers and expansive views
Location: Jackson County
Height: 9,495'
Mount McLoughlin, located in Jackson County, Oregon, is a prominent stratovolcano and one of the highest peaks in southern Oregon. Standing at a height of 9,495 feet (2,894 meters), it is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Mount McLoughlin is characterized by its symmetrical cone shape and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including Crater Lake National Park and the Cascade Range. The mountain features multiple trail options, including a well-maintained trail that leads to the summit.
Diamond Peak
Location: Klamath and Lane Counties
Height: 8,748′
Diamond Peak is not nearly as well-known as some of the other mountains on this list, but it is a really wonderful sight in central Oregon and one of the easiest tall mountains to climb in the state.
It reaches over 8,000' tall and overlooks Diamond Lake, and has views of the less impressive, although perhaps more interesting looking, Mount Thielsen.
Other Cascades Mountains
The Cascade Mountain Range does not stop at Oregon's southern border and Washington's northern border. It runs into both California and British Columbia. Other mountains in the range include:
Mount Shasta (Waka-nunee-Tuki-wuki)
Location: Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California
Height: 14,179 ft
Mount Shasta is a truly stunning mountain in Northern California. It reaches over 14,000' in height and is a common objective for mountaineers from throughout the Pacific Northwest hoping to test their metal. The summit trail gains a painful 7.122 feet in only 5.1 miles.
Lassen Peak (Kohm Yah-mah-nee)
Location: Shasta County, California
Height: 10,457 ft
Close to Mount Shasta is the much less impressive but still quite tall Lassen Peak. It last erupted in 1915, and scarring from that eruption is still visible around the peak.
Mt. Garabaldi (Nch'kaỷ)
Location: Sea-to-Sky Corridor, British Columbia, Canada
Height: 8,786 ft
Mt. Garibaldi is one of the better-known mountains in British Columbia. It shares its name with the famous Garibaldi Provincial Park. It's located about 50 miles from Vancouver.
FAQs
What mountains are in Washington and Oregon?
The Cascade Mountains are in Washington and Oregon! This includes Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier. Mt. Adams, Mt. Baker, and many, many more!
What are the 2 mountain ranges in Washington?
The 2 major mountain ranges in Washington are the Cascades and the Olympics. The latter is closer to the coast, while the former has taller, volcanic mountains.
What is the largest mountain in Washington State?
The largest mountain in Washington State is Mount Rainier. It towers over the state at 14,410 feet tall, by far the tallest peak in the state.
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