Washington's Major Peaks

-- ANNOTATED INDEX --

23 January 2003


Peak Name Elev 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Prom Proj Peak Groups, Geology Notes &
Reference Comments
Adams, Mt.12276 T7.5Mt. Adams East (1970)81167800 Regal Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200, Hot 100. Geology: stratovolcano. LFCO states that a lookout cabin was built in 1918-21; cabin was eventually buried by snow, but collapsed structure can still be seen in late summer.
Agnes Mountain8115 T7.5Agnes Mountain (1963)1355900 Ptarmigan Pten, Bulger 200.
American Border Peak7994 T7.5Mt. Larrabee (1989)27941500 Nooksack Three.
Anderson, Mt. - east peak7321 T7.5Mt. Steel (1990)7211000 Olympic Twelve. Map misleadingly places "Mt. Anderson" label near this peak and places "East Peak" label near untriangulated minor point (shown as 6280+ feet) located to the northeast; latter label was undoubtedly intended for this peak. CGOM, CWM, and MLPW all contribute to the confusion by referring to this peak as simply "Mt. Anderson," apparently failing to recognize the obvious labeling error.
Anderson, Mt. - west peak7365 T7.5Mt. Steel (1990)19651100 Olympic Twelve. Map labels this as "West Peak," obviously implying an association with the nearby "Mt. Anderson" label. CGOM seems to recognize the association but awkwardly refers to this as "West Peak of Mt. Anderson Massif." CWM and MLPW refer to this as simply "West Peak," apparently failing to recognize the obvious name association.
Argonaut Peak8453 T7.5Enchantment Lakes (1989)7331400 Leavenworth Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Arriva, Mt.8215 T7.5Mt. Arriva (1963)1215700 Ragged Six, Bulger 200.
Austera Peak8334 T7.5Forbidden Peak (1963)414500 McAllister Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Azurite Peak8400+ Azurite Peak (1963)1880900 Methow Four, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Map shows two summit points as 8400+ feet, but CAG3 states that south point is true summit.
Bacon Peak7061 T7.5Bacon Peak (1989)2501600 Bacon Creek Five.
Baker, Mt.10781 T7.5Mt. Baker (1989)88814500 Regal Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Geology: stratovolcano. True summit is labeled as "Grant Peak" on map. CWM gives elevation as 10,785 feet, citing USGS database, but database actually lists elevation of 10,781 feet.
Ballard, Mt.8340 ESTAzurite Peak (1963)780800 Methow Four, Top 100, Bulger 200. True summit is untriangulated point (shown as 8280+ feet) located south of point triangulated at 8301 feet. Estimated elevation per John Roper, based on visual comparison with lower north point; he believes that map omitted at least one contour line above 8280-foot line. CAG3 gives more conservative elevation estimate of 8310 feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7560 feet, per MLPW.
Baring, Mt. 6125 T7.5Baring (1965)2445800 Skykomish Four. Name modified by popular usage, including CAG2 and CWM commentary; map labels this as "Baring Mountain."
Bears Breast Mountain7197 T7.5Mt. Daniel (1965)1117700 Alpine Lakes Nine.
Big Chiwaukum Peaksee: Chiwaukum Peak, Big
Big Craggy Peaksee: Craggy Peak, Big
Big Goat Hornsee: Goat Horn, Big
Big Hornsee: Goat Horn, Big
Big Methow Needlesee: Methow Needle, Big
Bigelow, Mt.8440+ Martin Peak (1969)760400 Sawtooth Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. CAG3 and 75SW erroneously give elevation as 8444+ feet and 8444 feet, respectively.
Black Butte, Westsee: Lincoln Peak
Black Mountain7262 T7.5Glacier Peak West (1988)902500 Darrington Seven.
Black Peak8970 T7.5Mt. Arriva (1963)34501500 Tall Twelve, Ragged Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Blue Mountainsee: Gunsight Peak
Blum, Mt.7680 T7.5Mt. Blum (1989)32801200 Bacon Creek Five.
Bonanza Peak9511 T7.5Holden (1988)37111800 Classic Eight, Big Ten, Company Seven, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. True summit is sometimes called "Point 1."
Boston Peak8894 T7.5Cascade Pass (1963)8541400 Tall Twelve, Thunder Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Brothers, The - south peak6842 T7.5The Brothers (1985)26821300 Olympic Twelve. Map label is placed near this peak but probably should have been placed between north and south peaks. MLPW refers to south peak as simply "The Brothers." CGOM and CWM give outdated elevation of 6866 feet.
Bruseth, Mt.7220 T7.5Downey Mountain (1963)1460500 Snowkindy Five. Provisional name per CAG2 and MLPW; not labeled on map. CAG2 states that this was previously called "Bench Lake Peak."
Buck Mountain8528 T7.5Clark Mountain (1988)1888700 Trinity Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Elevation corresponds to triangulated north summit point; however, CAG2 states that untriangulated middle point (shown as 8520+) appears slightly higher, and John Roper concurs. CAG2 commentary and 75SW give outdated elevation of 8573 feet.
Buckindy, Mt.7320+ Downey Mountain (1963)280700 Snowkindy Five.
Buckner, Mt.9114 ESTGoode Mountain (1963)30341600 Big Ten, Thunder Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Name modified by popular usage, including CAG2 and SCC1; map labels this as "Buckner Mountain." CAG2 states that true summit appears to be untriangulated point (shown as 9080+ feet) located southwest of point triangulated at 9112 feet, and CWM concedes that it does appear to be barely higher. Estimated elevation of southwest point per CAG2, based on visual comparison with northeast point; however, John Roper rejects this estimate as being inconclusive, considering the large horizontal separation. SCC1 incorrectly gives elevation as 9080 feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 6080 feet, per MLPW.
Bull's Tooth, The6840+ Stevens Pass (1965)1280300 Craggy Fifteen. Geology: granite. True summit is untriangulated point located north of point triangulated at 6807 feet. Map misleadingly places name label near lower south point.
Burgundy Spire8400+ Silver Star Mountain (1963)120900 Craggy Fifteen, Difficult 10. Geology: granite. Provisional name per CAG3 and SCC1; not labeled on map or listed on MLPW. Included in formation informally known as "The Wine Spires." True summit appears to be untriangulated point located north of point triangulated at 8441 feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 8280 feet.
Cadet Peak7186 T7.5Blanca Lake (1965)7061200 Monte Cristo Seven. This is sometimes referred to as "South Cadet Peak." Although map shows north peak (also known as "Rover Peak") to be triangulated at 7197 feet, CWM states that it appears to be much lower than south peak, and my recent hand-level survey revealed that it is at least 25 feet lower. MLPW refers to north peak as simply "Cadet Peak" and incorrectly indicates that it is highest point of massif. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 6480 feet, per MLPW.
Cameron, Mt.7190 T7.5Wellesley Peak (1990)990700 Olympic Twelve. CGOM refers to this as "Cameron Peak" and gives outdated elevation of 7192 feet.
Cannon Mountain8638 T7.5Cashmere Mountain (1989)8381300 Leavenworth Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Cardinal Peak8590 T7.5Pyramid Mountain (1988)2070800 Lucerne Four, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Although middle and south summit points appear equal in elevation, a hand-level survey by Don Duncan revealed that middle point is 1 to 2 feet higher.
Carrie, Mt.6995 T7.5Mt. Carrie (1950)16751000 Olympic Twelve.
Carru, Mt.8595 T7.5Mt. Lago (1969)955900 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Cashmere Mountain8501 T7.5Cashmere Mountain (1989)15811200 Leavenworth Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Local usage favors the name "Mt. Cashmere."
Castle Peak8306 T7.5Castle Peak (1969)3226800 Crazy Eight, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Cathedral Peak8601 T7.5Remmel Mountain (1969)961800 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Cathedral Rock6724 T7.5Mt. Daniel (1965)1084200 Craggy Fifteen. Geology: andesite.
Chalangin Peak8320+ Clark Mountain (1988)3201000 DaKobed Five. Provisional name per CAG2; not labeled on map or listed on MLPW. CAG2 incorrectly gives elevation as 8360+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 8000 feet.
Challenger, Mt.8207 T7.5Mt. Challenger (1989)6071000 Classic Eight, Picket Twelve, Bulger 200. True summit is informally known as "east peak." SCC1 gives outdated elevation of 8236 feet.
Chaval, Mt.7127 T7.5Snowking Mountain (1966)18071100 Snowkindy Five. True summit is informally known as "west peak."
Chikamin Peak7000+ Chikamin Peak (1989)1080700 Alpine Lakes Nine. True summit is untriangulated point located southeast of point triangulated at 6926 feet. CWM incorrectly gives elevation as 7000 feet.
Chimney Rock 7727 T15Big Snow Mountain (1965)27271400 Super Eight, Alpine Lakes Nine. True summit (informally known as "main peak") is untriangulated point located southwest of lower point triangulated at 7634 feet (informally known as "north peak"). Map misleadingly places name label near north peak. Elevation based on older 15-minute map and accepted by MLPW; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 7600+ feet but apparently omitted several contour lines above 7600-foot line. CAG1 gives elevation estimate of 7680 feet but admits that it is probably close to 7700 feet.
Chiwaukum Peak, Big8081 T7.5Chiwaukum Mountains (1989)3681700 Crazy Eight, Bulger 200. Suggested augmentation of incomplete provisional name per CAG1 and CWM, which refer to this as simply "Big Chiwaukum"; not labeled on map. MLPW refers to this by the augmented name "Big Chiwaukum Mountain."
Chiwawa Mountain8459 T7.5Suiattle Pass (1988)1219700 Trinity Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Clark Mountain8602 T7.5Clark Mountain (1988)15221400 Super Eight, DaKobed Five, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. CAG2 erroneously gives elevation as 8502 feet. CWM gives outdated elevation of 8576 feet.
Clark, Mt.7528 T7.5Mt. Deception (1990)6081000 Craggy Fifteen. Geology: pillow basalt. Part of "The Needles" formation labeled on map; a more descriptive and less ambiguous name for this formation would be "The Royal Needles," considering its proximity to Royal Basin. CGOM states that this peak was previously called "Mt. Belvedere."
Colchuck Peak8705 T7.5Enchantment Lakes (1989)6651500 Leavenworth Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Colonial Peak7771 T7.5Ross Dam (1963)1171600 McAllister Six.
Columbia Crestsee: Rainier, Mt.
Columbia Peak7172 T7.5Blanca Lake (1965)11321200 Monte Cristo Seven.
Constance, Mt. - inner peak7667 T7.5Mt. Deception (1990)11471200 Olympic Twelve. Suggested augmentation of incomplete provisional name per CGOM and MLPW, which refer to this as simply "Inner Constance." Map places name label near higher main peak located to the east. CGOM gives outdated elevation of 7670 feet.
Constance, Mt. - main peak7756 T7.5Mt. Deception (1990)19561300 Olympic Twelve. Map places name label near this peak. CGOM and MLPW refer to main peak as simply "Mt. Constance." CGOM gives outdated elevation of 7743 feet.
Copper Peak8964 T7.5Holden (1988)4841200 Tall Twelve, Trinity Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Corax Peak8572 T7.5Martin Peak (1969)1092800 Sawtooth Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Provisional name per CAG3; not labeled on map. MLPW refers to this as "Raven Ridge," and some climbers have called it "Libby Mountain" or "Raven Peak." Although map indicates true summit to be untriangulated west peak (shown as 8580+ feet), a hand-level survey by Don Duncan revealed that east peak (triangulated at 8572 feet) is about 17 feet higher. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7480 feet, per MLPW.
Cosho Peak8332 T7.5Mt. Logan (1963)492800 Ragged Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Cowlitz Chimney, Main 7605 T7.5Chinook Pass (1971)965600 Craggy Fifteen. Geology: rhyolite. This is sometimes referred to as "South Cowlitz Chimney."
Cradle, The7467 T7.5The Cradle (1965)2107800 Crazy Eight. Map shows identical triangulated elevations for north and south summit points, but Fred Beavon has estimated north point to be slightly higher.
Craggy Peak, Big8470 T7.5Billy Goat Mountain (1969)3070800 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Craggy Peak, West8366 T7.5Billy Goat Mountain (1969)686700 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Suggested augmentation of incomplete name shown on map, which labels this as simply "West Craggy" (probably due to unintentional truncation).
Crater Mountain8128 T7.5Crater Mountain (1963)19281100 Crazy Eight, Bulger 200, Hot 100. LFCO states that a lookout cabin was built on summit in 1932 and removed in 1968; ruins can still be seen.
Crooked Thumb8124 T7.5Mt. Challenger (1989)444900 Picket Twelve, Bulger 200. Truncated name per CAG3 and first-ascent party; map labels this as "Crooked Thumb Peak."
Cruiser, Mt.6104 T7.5Mt. Skokomish (1990)1104300 Craggy Fifteen. Geology: pillow basalt.
Curtis Gilbert, Mt.8184 T7.5Walupt Lake (1970)36641700 Goat Rocks Four, Bulger 200. Map labels this as simply "Gilbert Peak," but full name seems to be favored by popular usage, including CAG1 and 75SW.
Custer, Mt.8630 T7.5Mt. Spickard (1969)12301100 Chilliwack Five, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Provisional name per CAG3 and MLPW; not labeled on map.
Cutthroat Peak8050 T7.5Washington Pass (1963)1730500 Washington Pass Four, Bulger 200. True summit is point triangulated at 8050 feet; map misleadingly places name label near lower north point (triangulated at 7865 feet).
Daniel, Mt.7986 T30Mt. Daniel (1965)35061500 Alpine Lakes Nine. CAG1 and CWM agree that true summit appears to be west point by slight margin over middle/east point, neither of which was triangulated on 15-minute or 7.5-minute map. Elevation based on very old 30-minute map and accepted by CWM and 75SW; current 7.5-minute map shows both summit points as 7960+ feet. SCC1 incorrectly gives elevation as 7960 feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 4480 feet, per MLPW.
Deception, Mt.7788 T7.5Mt. Deception (1990)41081300 Olympic Twelve.
Degenhardt, Mt.8000+ Mt. Challenger (1989)2801000 Picket Twelve, Bulger 200.
Del Campo Peak6610 T7.5Monte Cristo (1965)2210600 Monte Cristo Seven.
Despair, Mt.7292 T7.5Damnation Peak (1989)1852800 Bacon Creek Five.
Devore Peak8360+ Mt. Lyall (1963)1720700 Company Seven, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Dome Peak8920+ Dome Peak (1963)30401500 Classic Eight, Super Eight, Tall Twelve, Ptarmigan Pten, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. True summit is informally known as "northeast peak." SCC1 incorrectly gives elevation as 8920 feet.
Dorado Needle8440+ Eldorado Peak (1963)800600 McAllister Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. SCC2 incorrectly gives elevation as 8440 feet.
Dragontail Peak8840+ Enchantment Lakes (1989)17601600 Tall Twelve, Leavenworth Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. CWM, SCC1, and 75SW incorrectly give elevation as 8840 feet.
Dumbell Mountain8421 T7.5Holden (1988)1261600 Trinity Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. True summit is sometimes referred to as "southwest peak." CAG2 erroneously states that northeast peak (provisionally named "Greenwood Mountain" and triangulated at 8415 feet) is slightly higher and more dominant than southwest peak, but it is actually lower and less dominant.
Early Winters Spire, North7760+ Washington Pass (1963)40200 Washington Pass Four. CAG3 refers to this as "North Early Winter Spire," presumably for phonetic reasons. Not listed on MLPW. SCC1 incorrectly gives elevation as 7760 feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7720 feet, but clean prominence calculation from map is misleading; actual prominence is probably close to 200 feet.
Early Winters Spire, South7807 T7.5Washington Pass (1963)647200 Washington Pass Four. CAG3 refers to this as "South Early Winter Spire," presumably for phonetic reasons.
East McMillan Spiresee: McMillan Spire, East
Eldorado Peak8868 T7.5Eldorado Peak (1963)21881800 Classic Eight, Super Eight, Tall Twelve, Thunder Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. CAG2 gives elevation estimate of 8880 feet but does not explain basis; perhaps this is related to snow arete that covers summit rocks.
Emerald Peak8422 T7.5Saska Peak (1988)742600 Lucerne Four, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Fernow, Mt.9249 T7.5Holden (1988)28091400 Big Ten, Trinity Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Flora Mountain8320 T7.5Pinnacle Mountain (1988)1800600 Company Seven, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Foggy Peak6810 T7.5Blanca Lake (1965)730800 Monte Cristo Seven.
Forbidden Peak8815 T7.5Forbidden Peak (1963)10551300 Classic Eight, Tall Twelve, Thunder Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Formidable, Mt.8325 T7.5Cascade Pass (1963)1885900 Ptarmigan Pten, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Fortress Mountain8760+ Suiattle Pass (1988)16801000 Trinity Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. 75SW gives previously triangulated elevation of 8674 feet, but this now appears to be superceded by much higher contour lines.
Fury, Mt. - east peak8288 T15Mt. Challenger (1989)2881100 Picket Twelve. Map places name label near slightly higher west peak. Not listed on MLPW. Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 8280+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 8000 feet.
Fury, Mt. - west peak8292 T15Mt. Challenger (1989)12921100 Picket Twelve, Bulger 200, Difficult 10. Map places name label near this peak. MLPW refers to west peak as simply "Mt. Fury." Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 8280+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7000 feet, per MLPW.
Gardner Mountain8898 T7.5Mazama (1991)698900 Tall Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. CWM gives outdated elevation of 8897 feet. LFCO states that old DNR records mention a lookout, but this is questionable due to lack of details and absence of cabin ruins at summit.
Gardner Mountain, North8956 T7.5Silver Star Mountain (1963)39961000 Tall Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Gemini Peak, South6799 T7.5Bedal (1966)799800 Monte Cristo Seven. Provisional name per CAG2 and MLPW; not labeled on map.
Gilbert Peaksee: Curtis Gilbert, Mt.
Glacier Peak10541 T15Glacier Peak East (1988)75013000 Regal Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Geology: stratovolcano. Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 10,520+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 3040 feet, per MLPW.
Goat Horn, Big8000+ Walupt Lake (1970)2401500 Craggy Fifteen. Geology: andesite. Suggested augmentation of incomplete provisional name per CAG1, which refers to this as simply "Big Horn"; not labeled on map. Augmented name conforms with theme and format of nearby "Goat Citadel." MLPW confusingly refers to this as "Goat Rocks." CAG1 incorrectly gives elevation as 7960+ feet, probably because 8000-foot contour line is difficult to see on map.
Golden Horn8366 T7.5Washington Pass (1963)1126800 Methow Four, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Goode, Mt.9235 GPSGoode Mountain (1963)38351700 Classic Eight, Super Eight, Big Ten, Thunder Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Name modified by popular usage, including CAG2 and SCC1; map labels this as "Goode Mountain." Elevation based on personal GPS measurement at summit; map shows elevation as 9200+ feet. CWM gives elevation as 9220 feet, presumably based on USGS database approximation. SCC1 incorrectly gives elevation as 9200 feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 5400 feet, per MLPW.
Grant Peaksee: Baker, Mt.
Gunn Peak6240 T7.5Baring (1965)3640700 Skykomish Four. CWM erroneously gives elevation as 6245 feet.
Gunsight Peak8198 T7.5Agnes Mountain (1963)518900 Ptarmigan Pten, Bulger 200. CAG2 states that "Gunsight Peak" name has been officially adopted, but map still labels this as "Blue Mountain." True summit is informally known as "middle peak" or "main peak."
Hagan, Mt.7080+ Damnation Peak (1989)600600 Bacon Creek Five. Name modified by popular usage, including CAG3; map labels this as "Hagan Mountain." True summit is informally known as "south peak" or "southwest peak."
Hinman, Mt.7492 T7.5Mt. Daniel (1965)12521000 Alpine Lakes Nine.
Hozomeen Mountain - north peak8066 T7.5Hozomeen Mountain (1969)39661400 Crazy Eight, Bulger 200.
Hozomeen Mountain - south peak8003 T7.5Skagit Peak (1969)14831300 Crazy Eight, Bulger 200, Difficult 10.
Index, Mt. - main peak5991 T7.5Index (1989)29911000 Skykomish Four. Map places name label near this peak. MLPW refers to main peak as simply "Mt. Index." CWM and 75SW give outdated elevation of 5979 feet.
Index, Mt. - middle peak5493 T7.5Index (1989)533500 Craggy Fifteen, Difficult 10. Geology: meta-gabbro. Map places name label near higher main peak.
Index, Mt. - north peak5357 T15Index (1989)317400 Craggy Fifteen, Difficult 10. Geology: meta-gabbro. Map places name label near higher main peak. Not listed on MLPW. Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 5360+ feet, which is very close to triangulated elevation. CAG1 incorrectly gives elevation as 5360 feet. SCC1 erroneously gives elevation as 5353 feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 5040 feet.
Ingalls Peak, North 7662 T7.5Mt. Stuart (1989)1222700 Craggy Fifteen. Geology: peridotite. Massif is often referred to as "Ingalls Peaks" in recognition of distinct north, south, and east peaks. North peak is sometimes called "main peak." MLPW refers to north peak as simply "Ingalls Peak."
Inner Constancesee: Constance, Mt. - inner peak
Inspiration Peak7880+ Mt. Challenger (1989)240900 Picket Twelve, Difficult 10. Elevation per CAG3. MLPW gives elevation as 7920+ feet, apparently due to partial contour line shown on map; this might be correct but is difficult to determine conclusively. SCC2 incorrectly gives elevation as 7880 feet.
Ives Peak7932 T15Old Snowy Mountain (1988)7721400 Goat Rocks Four. Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 7920+ feet. CAG1 incorrectly gives elevation as 7840+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7160 feet, per MLPW.
Jack Mountain9066 T7.5Jack Mountain (1969)41862100 Big Ten, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Johannesburg Mountain8200+ Cascade Pass (1963)1560800 Ptarmigan Pten, Bulger 200, Difficult 10. SCC2 incorrectly gives elevation as 8200 feet.
Katsuk Peak8680+ Mt. Logan (1963)4401200 Ragged Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Kimtah Peak8600+ Mt. Logan (1963)10401100 Ragged Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Klawatti Peak8485 T7.5Forbidden Peak (1963)685700 McAllister Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Kololo Peak8210 ESTGlacier Peak East (1988)890900 DaKobed Five, Bulger 200. Provisional name per CAG2 and MLPW; not labeled on map. True summit is untriangulated middle point (shown as 8200+ feet) located west of point triangulated at 8197 feet. Estimated elevation based on my visual comparison with lower east point. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7320 feet, per MLPW.
Kyes Peak7280+ Blanca Lake (1965)17201300 Monte Cristo Seven. True summit is untriangulated point located southeast of point triangulated at 7227 feet. CAG2 incorrectly gives elevation as 7280 feet. CWM gives elevation as 7285 feet, either in error or as an approximation.
Lago, Mt.8745 T7.5Mt. Lago (1969)32651000 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Lake Mountain8371 T7.5Mt. Lago (1969)811700 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Larrabee, Mt.7861 T7.5Mt. Larrabee (1989)9811400 Nooksack Three. CAG3 states that this was formerly known as "Red Mountain."
Lemah Mountain 7480+ Chikamin Peak (1989)9601200 Alpine Lakes Nine. True summit is untriangulated middle peak (informally called "Lemah Three"); map misleadingly places name label near untriangulated lower peak located to the south (informally called "Lemah Two"). CWM erroneously gives elevation as 7512 feet.
Libby Mountainsee: Corax Peak
Liberty Bell7720+ Washington Pass (1963)200100 Washington Pass Four. Geology: granite. CWM refers to this by the augmented name "Liberty Bell Mountain." CAG3 and SCC1 incorrectly give elevation as 7720 feet. CWM gives elevation as 7740 feet, presumably based on USGS database approximation.
Lincoln Peak9096 T15Mt. Baker (1989)7362800 Craggy Fifteen, Top 100, Difficult 10. Geology: volcanic remnant (andesite) . This is also known as "West Black Butte." Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 9080+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 8360 feet, per MLPW.
Little Tahoma Peaksee: Tahoma Peak, Little
Logan, Mt.9087 T7.5Mt. Logan (1963)14871600 Classic Eight, Big Ten, Thunder Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Lost Peak8464 T7.5Lost Peak (1969)1624800 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Luahna Peak8400+ Clark Mountain (1988)7201100 DaKobed Five, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Provisional name per CAG2 and MLPW; not labeled on map.
Luna Peak8311 T7.5Mt. Challenger (1989)30711100 Picket Twelve, Top 100, Bulger 200. SCC1 gives outdated elevation of 8285 feet.
Main Cowlitz Chimneysee: Cowlitz Chimney, Main
Main Riddle Peaksee: Riddle Peak, Main
Martin Peak8511 T7.5Holden (1988)2111800 Company Seven, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Martin Peak8375 T7.5Martin Peak (1969)855400 Sawtooth Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Maude, Mt.9082 T15Holden (1988)9221300 Big Ten, Trinity Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 9040+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 8160 feet, per MLPW.
McClellan Peak8364 T7.5Enchantment Lakes (1989)12441100 Leavenworth Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
McGregor Mountain8122 T7.5McGregor Mountain (1963)21221100 Crazy Eight, Bulger 200, Hot 100. LFCO states that a lookout cabin was built on summit in 1932 and removed in 1953; ruins can still be seen.
McMillan Spire, East7992 T7.5Mt. Challenger (1989)2721000 Picket Twelve. Map misleadingly places name label near this peak but probably should have placed it between east and west peaks. Not listed on MLPW. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7720 feet.
McMillan Spire, West8000+ Mt. Challenger (1989)6001000 Picket Twelve, Bulger 200. Map misleadingly places name label near lower east peak but probably should have placed it between east and west peaks. MLPW refers to west peak as simply "McMillan Spire."
Meany, Mt.6695 T7.5Mt. Queets (1990)1895700 Olympic Twelve.
Mesahchie Peak8795 T7.5Mt. Logan (1963)22351300 Ragged Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Methow Needle, Big8170 ESTWashington Pass (1963)1730700 Craggy Fifteen, Bulger 200. Suggested name for highest point within "The Needles" formation labeled on map; a more descriptive and less ambiguous name for this formation would be "The Methow Needles," which conforms with theme and format of "The Methow Pinnacles" located several miles west. CAG3 gives informal names for several lower needles but not for highest. CAG3 indicates that true summit is untriangulated point (shown as 8040+ feet) located closely southwest of point triangulated at 8140 feet. Estimated elevation per CAG3, which implies that map omitted several contour lines above 8040-foot line. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 6440 feet, per MLPW.
Misch, Mt.7435 T7.5Downey Mountain (1963)2435800 Snowkindy Five. Provisional name per CAG2 and MLPW; not labeled on map.
Monte Cristo Peak7136 T7.5Blanca Lake (1965)4561100 Monte Cristo Seven.
Monument Peak8592 T7.5Mt. Lago (1969)1072900 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Mox Peak, Northwest8407 T7.5Mt. Redoubt (1989)527900 Chilliwack Five, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. CAG3 gives "Northwest Twin Spire" as preferred alternative name, but common usage seems to favor name shown on map. CAG3 erroneously gives elevation as 8404+ feet.
Mox Peak, Southeast8504 T7.5Mt. Redoubt (1989)9041000 Chilliwack Five, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200, Difficult 10. CAG3 gives "Southeast Twin Spire" as preferred alternative name, but common usage seems to favor name shown on map. CAG3 erroneously gives elevation as 8509 feet.
Mystery, Mt.7639 T7.5Mt. Deception (1990)11191100 Olympic Twelve. CGOM gives outdated elevation of 7631 feet.
Needles, Thesee: Clark, Mt. or Methow Needle, Big
Nooksack Tower8285 T7.5Mt. Shuksan (1989)3651800 Craggy Fifteen, Difficult 10. Geology: schist. SCC1 gives alternative elevation of 8268 feet but does not explain basis.
North Early Winters Spiresee: Early Winters Spires, North
North Gardner Mountainsee: Gardner Mountain, North
North Ingalls Peaksee: Ingalls Peak, North
North Twin Sistersee: Twin Sister, North
Northwest Mox Peaksee: Mox Peak, Northwest
Northwest Twin Spiresee: Mox Peak, Northwest
Old Guard Peak8240+ Dome Peak (1963)360800 Ptarmigan Pten, Bulger 200.
Old Snowy Mountain7930 T15Old Snowy Mountain (1988)3301400 Goat Rocks Four. CAG1 and SCC1 incorrectly refer to this by the truncated name "Old Snowy." Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 7880+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7600 feet, per MLPW.
Olympus, Mt. 7969 T7.5Mt. Olympus (1990)78291500 Regal Six. Geology: sandstone core of eroded lava shell. True summit is labeled as "West Peak" on map. CGOM and CWM give outdated elevation of 7965 feet.
Osceola Peak8587 T7.5Mt. Lago (1969)1147900 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Oval Peak8795 T7.5Oval Peak (1969)2715800 Sawtooth Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. LFCO states that old DNR records mention a lookout, but this is questionable due to lack of details and absence of cabin ruins at summit.
Phantom Peak8045 T15Mt. Challenger (1989)405800 Picket Twelve, Bulger 200. Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 8000+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7640 feet, per MLPW.
Pinnacle Mountain8402 T15Pinnacle Mountain (1988)1722600 Lucerne Four, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 8400+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 6680 feet, per MLPW.
Prusik Peak8000+ Enchantment Lakes (1989)160400 Craggy Fifteen. Geology: granodiorite. CWM and SCC1 incorrectly give elevation as 8000 feet.
Primus Peak8508 T7.5Forbidden Peak (1963)8281000 McAllister Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Ptarmigan Peak8614 T7.5Mt. Lago (1969)894900 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Pugh, Mt.7201 T7.5Pugh Mountain (1966)28011200 Darrington Seven, Hot 100. Name modified by popular usage, including CAG2 and CWM; map labels this as "Pugh Mountain." CAG2 and 75SW erroneously give elevation as 7224 feet. LFCO states that a lookout cabin was built on summit in 1921 and removed in 1965; ruins can still be seen.
Rainier, Mt.14411 SATMt. Rainier West (1971)13,2119000 Regal Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Geology: stratovolcano. True summit is labeled as "Columbia Crest" on map. Elevation based on recent satellite telemetry measurements; accepted by CAG1 and CWM. USGS database lists newer elevation of 14,411 feet, but 7.5-minute map still shows older triangulated elevation of 14,410 feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 1200 feet, per MLPW.
Raven Peaksee: Corax Peak
Redoubt, Mt.8969 T7.5Mt. Redoubt (1989)16491500 Classic Eight, Chilliwack Five, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Remmel Mountain8685 T7.5Remmel Mountain (1969)4365900 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200, Hot 100. CAG3 refers to this as "Mt. Remmel," but popular usage seems to favor name shown on map. LFCO states that a lookout cabin was built on summit in 1932 and removed in 1952; ruins can still be seen.
Reynolds Peak8512 T7.5Sun Mountain (1969)2032700 Sawtooth Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. True summit lies on Sun Mountain quadrangle map; Gilbert quadrangle map misleadingly places a second name label near lower north point (triangulated at 8384 feet).
Riddle Peak, Main8232 T15Pinnacle Mountain (1988)1152500 Company Seven, Bulger 200. True summit is untriangulated middle/south point. MLPW refers to main peak as simply "Riddle Peaks." Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 8200+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7080 feet, per MLPW.
Robinson Mountain8726 T7.5Robinson Mountain (1963)16861200 Pasayten Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Sahale Peak8680+ Cascade Pass (1963)801200 Thunder Eight, Bulger 100, Bulger 200. Name modified by popular usage, including CAG2, CWM, and SCC1; map labels this as "Sahale Mountain." CAG2, SCC1, and SCC2 incorrectly give elevation as 8680 feet. CWM gives elevation as 8700 feet, presumably based on USGS database approximation.
Saska Peak8404 T7.5Saska Peak (1988)644600 Lucerne Four, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Sentinel Peak8261 T7.5Dome Peak (1963)1661900 Ptarmigan Pten, Bulger 200.
Seven-Fingered Jack9100 T7.5Holden (1988)3801300 Big Ten, Trinity Eight, Bulger 100, Bulger 200. CWM and 75SW give outdated elevation of 9077 feet.
Sherpa Peak8605 T7.5Mt. Stuart (1989)4051600 Leavenworth Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. SCC2 erroneously gives elevation as 8505 feet.
Shuksan, Mt.9131 T7.5Mt. Shuksan (1989)44112600 Super Eight, Big Ten, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. CWM, SCC1, and SCC2 give outdated elevation of 9127 feet.
Silver Star Mountain8876 T7.5Silver Star Mountain (1963)24361400 Tall Twelve, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Sinister Peak8440+ Dome Peak (1963)8401000 Ptarmigan Pten, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. SCC2 incorrectly gives elevation as 8440 feet.
Sloan Peak7835 T7.5Sloan Peak (1966)38751800 Super Eight, Darrington Seven.
Snowfield Peak8347 T7.5Diablo Dam (1963)29071100 McAllister Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Snowking Mountain7433 T7.5Snowking Mountain (1966)15931000 Snowkindy Five. True summit is informally known as "northeast peak."
South Cadet Peaksee: Cadet Peak
South Early Winters Spiresee: Early Winters Spire, South
South Gemini Peaksee: Gemini Peak, South
South Twin Sistersee: Twin Sister, South
Southeast Mox Peaksee: Mox Peak, Southeast
Southeast Twin Spiresee: Mox Peak, Southeast
Spickard, Mt.8979 T7.5Mt. Spickard (1969)47791500 Tall Twelve, Chilliwack Five, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. This was originally called "Glacier Peak." CAG3 erroneously gives elevation as 8879 feet.
Spider Mountain8300 ESTCascade Pass (1963)940900 Ptarmigan Pten, Bulger 200. CAG2 states that true summit is untriangulated middle point (shown as 8280+ feet) located west of point triangulated at 8286 feet. Estimated elevation per CAG2, based on visual comparison with lower east point. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7360, per MLPW.
Spire Mountain6213 T7.5Baring (1965)1853600 Skykomish Four. CAG2 confusingly refers to this as "Spire Peak" and refers to lower southeast peak (triangulated at 6065 feet) as "Spire Mountain," based on incorrect observation that map label is placed near southeast peak; actually, map label encompasses entire massif extending from northwest peak to southeast peak. True summit is informally known as "northwest spire."
Spire Point8264 T7.5Dome Peak (1963)784900 Ptarmigan Pten, Bulger 200.
Star Peak8690 T7.5Oval Peak (1969)1170700 Sawtooth Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
St. Helens, Mt.8365 T7.5Mt. St. Helens (1983)46053900 Regal Six, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200, formerly Hot 100. Geology: statovolcano. Summit elevation was 9677 feet before 1980 eruption. LFCO states that a lookout cabin was built on summit in 1922 and eventually collapsed by snow loads; ruins and lookout site are now long gone.
Stone, Mt.6612 T7.5Mt. Skokomish (1990)2132600 Olympic Twelve. True summit is informally known as "south peak."
Storm King Mountain8520+ Goode Mountain (1963)6001000 Thunder Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Incomplete name shown on map has been augmented by popular usage, including CAG2; map labels this as simply "Storm King" (probably due to unintentional truncation). True summit is untriangulated point located east of point triangulated at 8515 feet.
Stuart, Mt.9415 T7.5Mt. Stuart (1989)53352400 Super Eight, Big Ten, Leavenworth Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Summit Chief Mountain7464 T7.5Big Snow Mountain (1965)13041200 Alpine Lakes Nine.
Tahoma Peak, Little11,138 T7.5Mt. Rainier East (1971)8584600 Crazy Eight, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200. Geology: volcanic remnant (andesite). CAG1 refers to this by the truncated name "Little Tahoma," but full name shown on map seems to be equally favored by popular usage.
Temple, The8292 T7.5Enchantment Lakes (1989)772700 Craggy Fifteen, Bulger 200. Geology: granodiorite. CAG1 refers to this as "Mt. Temple," but popular usage seems to favor name shown on map, especially for specific summit crag.
Tenpeak Mountain8281 T15Glacier Peak East (1988)4811000 Dakobed Five, Bulger 200. Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 8200+ feet but apparently omitted several contour lines above 8200-foot line. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 7800 feet, per MLPW.
Terror, Mt.8151 T7.5Mt. Challenger (1989)19111200 Picket Twelve, Bulger 200.
Thomson, Mt.6554 T7.5Chikamim Peak (1989)1514500 Alpine Lakes Nine. Older 15-minute map labels this with the misspelled name "Thompson," but newer 7.5-minute map shows corrected spelling. CAG1 recognizes older map error but still uses misspelled name, whereas CWM and SCC2 fail to recognize misspelling.
Three Fingers - north peak6870 ESTWhitehorse Mountain (1989)45101400 Darrington Seven. Map places name label near south peak but probably should have placed it between north and south peaks. CWM refers to entire massif by the augmented name "Three Fingers Mountain." North peak not listed on MLPW. Estimated elevation per CAG2, based on visual comparison with south peak; map shows summit as 6720+ feet but apparently omitted several contour lines above 6720-foot line. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 2360 feet, per MLPW.
Three Fingers - south peak6850 T7.5Whitehorse Mountain (1989)3701400 Darrington Seven, Hot 100. Map places name label near this peak but probably should have placed it between north and south peaks. CWM refers to entire massif by the augmented name "Three Fingers Mountain." MLPW refers to south peak as simply "Three Fingers." CAG2 states that summit was about 15 feet higher before being blasted for lookout cabin. CAG2, CWM, and 75SW give outdated elevation of 6854 feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 6480 feet. LFCO states that the existing lookout cabin was built on summit in 1930-32; cabin is being preserved.
Three Queens - main peak6687 T7.5Chikamin Peak (1989)1767600 Alpine Lakes Nine. MLPW refers to main peak as simply "Three Queens."
Tieton Peak7768 T7.5Old Snowy Mountain (1988)7281300 Goat Rocks Four.
Tomyhoi Peak7435 T7.5Mt. Larrabee (1989)20351000 Nooksack Three. CWM gives outdated elevation of 7451 feet.
Tower Mountain8444 T7.5Washington Pass (1963)2884900 Methow Four, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Triumph, Mt.7270 T15Mt. Triumph (1989)1750800 Bacon Creek Five. Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows summit as 7240+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 5520 feet, per MLPW.
Tupshin Peak8320+ Stehekin (1969)1080600 Company Seven, Bulger 100, Top 100, Bulger 200.
Twin Needle, West7936 T7.5Mt. Challenger (1989)616900 Picket Twelve. CAG3 states that name label is misplaced on map, but it actually appears to be correct. MLPW confusingly refers to this as "Crescent Creek Spires."
Twin Sister, North6640+ Twin Sisters Mountain (1989)6801100 Twin Sisters Two. Geology: dunite (olivine). CWM incorrectly gives elevation as 6570 feet, presumably due to outdated USGS database approximation.
Twin Sister, South7000+ Twin Sisters Mountain (1989)35201500 Twin Sisters Two. Geology: dunite (olivine). CWM gives previously triangulated elevation of 6932 feet, but this now appears to be superceded by much higher contour lines.
Twin Spire, Northwestsee: Mox Peak, Northwest
Twin Spire, Southeastsee: Mox Peak, Southeast
Washington, Mt.6255 T7.5Mt. Washington (1985)26151000 Olympic Twelve. True summit is informally known as "The Chin," referring to its relative position and the peak's likeness to George Washington's profile.
West Black Buttesee: Lincoln Peak
West Craggy Peaksee: Craggy Peak, West
West McMillan Spiresee: McMillan Spire, West
West Peaksee: Anderson, Mt. - west peak
West Twin Needlesee: Twin Needle, West
White Chuck Mountain6989 T7.5Pugh Mountain (1966)37891500 Darrington Seven.
Whitehorse Mountain6852 T15Whitehorse Mountain (1989)21721400 Darrington Seven. True summit is untriangulated point located southeast of point triangulated at 6563 feet. Map misleadingly places name label near lower northwest point. Elevation based on older 15-minute map; newer 7.5-minute map shows elevation as 6840+ feet. Prominence based on saddle elevation of 4680 feet, per MLPW.
Wy'East Mountain8280+ Mt. Lyall (1963)600600 Company Seven, Bulger 200. Provisional name per CAG2 and MLPW; not labeled on map. Older edition of CAG2 mistakenly called this "Black Tower."

Key to Elevation Codes

SAT -- Recent satellite-telemetry triangulation not shown on current 7.5-minute map
T7.5 -- Triangulation shown on current 7.5-minute map
T15 -- Triangulation shown on older 15-minute map
T30 -- Triangulation shown on very old 30-minute map
GPS -- Recent GPS reading taken on summit
EST -- Visual estimate based on comparison with nearby triangulated point
+ ------ Highest contour line shown on current 7.5-minute map

Reference Abbreviations

CAG1 -- Cascade Alpine Guide, Volume 1, 2nd Ed., 2000, by Fred Beckey
CAG2 -- Cascade Alpine Guide, Volume 2, Revised 2nd Ed., 1996, by Fred Beckey
CAG3 -- Cascade Alpine Guide, Volume 3, 2nd Ed., 2000, by Fred Beckey
CGOM -- Climber’s Guide to the Olympic Mountains, 3rd Ed., 1988, by Olympic Mountain Rescue
CWM -- Climbing Washington's Mountains, 2002, by Jeff Smoot
LFCO -- Lookouts: Firewatchers of the Cascades & Olympics, 1996, by Ira Spring & Byron Fish
MLPW -- Master List of Peaks in Washington (website), September 2002, by Jeff Howbert
SCC1 -- Selected Climbs in the Cascades, Volume 1, 1993, by Jim Nelson & Peter Potterfield
SCC2 -- Selected Climbs in the Cascades, Volume 2, 2000, by Jim Nelson & Peter Potterfield
75SW -- 75 Scrambles in Washington, 2001, by Peggy Goldman

Nomenclature Comments

In general, my reported peak names conform with the latest USGS 7.5-minute maps. However, I have deviated from USGS nomenclature in cases where a different name seems strongly favored by popular usage. Examples of such consensus deviations are "Crooked Thumb" rather than "Crooked Thumb Peak," "Sahale Peak" rather than "Sahale Mountain," "Mt. Goode" rather than "Goode Mountain," "Gunsight Peak" rather than "Blue Mountain," and "Mt. Baring" rather than "Baring Mountain."

For peaks that are not identified on current USGS maps, I have usually followed the nomenclature of contemporary guidebooks (Cascade Alpine Guide, Climber’s Guide to the Olympic Mountains, and Selected Climbs in the Cascades). Many such unofficial (non-USGS) names are already widely accepted by mountaineers; time will determine the fate of those that aren’t. Examples of these provisional names include Mt. Misch, Mt. Bruseth, Gemini Peaks, Wy’East Mountain, Kololo Peak, Chalangin Peak, and Corax Peak.

Several peak names shown on maps and/or used in guidebooks are somewhat incomplete or ambiguous. In some cases, I have augmented such names with a pertinent geographic descriptor. My desire is to improve clarity while preserving the root name, and my results probably tend to sound more clinical than capricious. Most notably, "Big Methow Needle" describes the highest (and unnamed) spire in "The Needles" located just south of the West Fork Methow River, and "Big Goat Horn" describes the highest of the horn formations in the Goat Rocks area. In a few other cases, I have appended an appropriate geomorphic typifier to a provisional name for the sake of completeness. Examples of this are "Big Chiwaukum Peak" rather than just "Big Chiwaukum," and "Mt. Constance: inner peak" rather than just "Inner Constance."

Elevation Comments

My overriding philosophy is to report the best approximation of a summit’s elevation rather than to report the least disputable elevation. As such, most of my reported elevations conform with the triangulated summit elevations shown on the latest USGS 7.5-minute maps (indicated by a T7.5 code). However, because many peaks do not have a summit triangulation shown on these current maps, I sometimes resorted to alternative sources, as follows.

For summits that were not triangulated on a 7.5-minute map but were previously triangulated on an older, 15-minute or 30-minute map, I have usually reported the older values (indicated by a T15 or T30 code). Considering that the contour lines on a 7.5-minute map have an error tolerance of about 20 feet, I infer these older triangulated elevations to represent the best approximations available today. An exception arises when the highest contour line on a 7.5-minute map implies a summit elevation much higher than the older 15-minute map triangulation; in such cases (Fortress Mountain is one example), I have reported the highest contour elevation so as to give the summit all due credit.

Some peaks do not have summit triangulations shown on the newer, 7.5-minute map nor on the older, 15-minute or 30-minute maps. In these cases, I have typically reported the elevation of the highest contour line shown on the 7.5-minute map (indicated by a + code).

Several peaks do not have a triangulated summit but do have a triangulation shown at a nearby lower point. For these, I have expressed the summit elevation as an estimated value (indicated by an EST code) that has been determined by visual comparison with the lower, triangulated point. My sources for such estimated values include the Cascade Alpine Guide, personal communications with other climbers, and personal field observations.

Two peaks on my lists exhibit elevations from noteworthy sources. For Mt. Rainier, I have used the recently calculated summit elevation that has been reported in news dispatches (indicated by a SAT code) but is not shown on current USGS maps; the new value purportedly represents an enhancement over the older triangulation. For Mt. Goode, I have used the elevation recently measured with a hand-held GPS device (indicated by a GPS code). Undoubtedly, additional GPS elevations will be reported by climbers in the future, allowing refinement of other indefinite or estimated elevations.

Prominence Comments

All prominence ("Prom") values were calculated by the "clean" method, which means that the saddle elevation is taken as the first contour line above the reference saddle. As such, these prominence values are conservative and could understate the actual value by up to 39 feet for peaks having a definite summit elevation. Most values were taken directly from the Master List of Peaks in Washington (MLPW) as compiled by Jeff Howbert. Where my reported summit elevation differs from the MLPW elevation, I recalculated the prominence using the MLPW saddle elevation.

Projection Comments

All projection ("Proj") values were derived by establishing a reference datum surface defined by the typical or average elevation of surrounding summits and crests, excluding those major peaks within the same regional group or within adjacent higher regional groups. Peaks in the Regal Six group were also excluded, due to their regional dominance. As such, my projection values generally represent the height of a summit above the secondary or tertiary peaks and associated ridges within the same region. For the Regal Six peaks, however, the datum surface is defined by all surrounding peaks, including nearby major peaks. Because I determined the datum elevation by visual inspection (using 15-minute maps), my projection values should be regarded as very approximate, and I have rounded all values to the nearest 100 feet to highlight the inherent lack of precision. It might be possible to enhance the level of precision through computer modeling and mathematical regression analyses, but I’ll save that project for someone else.
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