Location and surroundings
The mountain belongs to the North American Cordillera, Pacific Coast Ranges, Cascade Range, North Cascades, Mountain Loop Area, and specifically the Inner Mountain Loop. It ranks as the highest of 10 named peaks in the Inner Mountain Loop. The surrounding landscape features rugged topography with craggy peaks, ridges, and deep glacial valleys formed by historical glaciation and volcanic activity.
Neighbouring peaks
Mount Forgotten is closely surrounded by several other summits and geographic points. The nearest peaks and passes include:
- Twin Peaks (peak), 1,713 m, 3.0 km S
- Stillaguamish Peak (peak), 1,743 m, 3.0 km W
- Mount Dickerman (peak), 1,746 m, 3.8 km SW
- Barlow Point (peak), 982 m, 6.8 km S
- Ira Spring Mountain (peak), 1,713 m, 7.1 km E
- Mount Pugh (peak), 2,195 m, 7.2 km NE
- Bedal Peak (peak), 1,980 m, 7.6 km SE
- Hall Peak (peak), 1,672 m, 8.3 km SW
The nearest higher peak is Mount Pugh at 2,195 meters elevation, located 7.2 kilometers to the northeast.
The view from the summit
From the top of Mount Forgotten, climbers and observers can spot several major regional giants within a 25-kilometer radius. The highest peaks within this range are:
- Glacier Peak, 3,214 m, 24.6 km E
- Kennedy Peak, 2,518 m, 24.0 km E
- Sloan Peak, 2,388 m, 10.1 km SE
- Glacier Gap Peak, 2,359 m, 24.8 km E
- Kyes Peak, 2,220 m, 17.1 km SE
- Cadet Peak, 2,191 m, 14.5 km SE
The range
Mount Forgotten is part of the Inner Mountain Loop within the North Cascades of the Cascade Range. The high point of this specific range is Mount Forgotten itself, as it is the highest of the 10 named peaks contained within the Inner Mountain Loop. Weather systems moving inland from the Pacific Ocean drop substantial moisture onto the western slopes of the range through orographic lift.
Climbing routes
The primary route utilized to reach the summit is the Mount Forgotten Trail via the South Ridge Route. Climbers navigating these slopes encounter alpine terrain typical of the western North Cascades, where weather conditions and seasonal snowpacks dictate accessibility.
Access and starting points
Access to the area is commonly gained from the nearby town of Darrington, Washington. Travelers typically approach via the Mountain Loop Highway near the Monte Cristo area, heading toward the trailhead for the Mount Forgotten Trail situated in the surrounding national forest lands.
Climate and weather
Based on estimates from NASA POWER climate data spanning 2001 to 2020, temperatures at the summit average about 10 °C during the warmest month of July and about -6 °C during the coldest month of December. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit from May through October. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,850 mm annually, with November being the wettest month at about 285 mm and July the driest at about 35 mm. Common hazards include heavy maritime snowfall, wet and heavy snowpacks leading to high avalanche danger, and periods of low cloud cover during winter months.
Best time to visit
The months offering the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing the peak are July through September, coinciding with warmer temperatures and drier summer conditions when high pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean reduce cloud cover. These months also fall within the period when mean temperatures at the summit remain above freezing.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain sits within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, featuring rugged topography, craggy ridges, and forested glacial valleys. The local ecoregions support diverse vegetation adapted to high precipitation and drastic elevation changes across the Cascade Range.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking organized instruction or professional support in the region, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies operating in United States include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. Permit rules in United States vary by land agency, with certain peaks requiring advance registration or permits.
Safety and preparation
Climber preparation should account for steep alpine terrain, variable maritime weather, and potential avalanche risks during colder months. In the event of an emergency, the general emergency number for mountain rescue in United States is 911, which connects to dispatchers who alert local search and rescue teams.
History and name
The mountain received its name due to its somewhat obscure and overlooked location relative to higher peaks in the Mountain Loop Highway area.
Interesting facts
Mount Forgotten holds the distinction of being the highest of 10 named peaks in the Inner Mountain Loop. The nearest higher peak is Mount Pugh at 2,195 meters, located 7.2 kilometers to the northeast.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Mount Forgotten? The summit elevation is 1,831 meters.
Where is Mount Forgotten located? It is located in Snohomish County, Washington, United States, near the western edge of the North Cascades.
Which range does Mount Forgotten belong to? It belongs to the Inner Mountain Loop within the North Cascades, Pacific Coast Ranges, and North American Cordillera.
What are the nearest peaks to Mount Forgotten? The nearest peaks include Twin Peaks and Stillaguamish Peak, both located 3.0 kilometers away.
Is there water on the way to Mount Forgotten? Hikers should carry adequate water, typically 1.5 to 3 liters depending on conditions, as natural water sources along the trail may require treatment or seasonal melting.
Are there huts on Mount Forgotten? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How long does it take to climb Mount Forgotten? The ascent typically takes 5 to 6 hours round trip from the trailhead.
Is there mobile phone coverage on Mount Forgotten? Mobile coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator; 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.