Location and surroundings
Mount Swineford is part of the Brundage-Ogden Area, a subrange of the Boundary Ranges in the Coast Mountains, themselves within the Pacific Coast Ranges of the North American Cordillera. It is in Juneau, Alaska, in the United States. Within the Brundage-Ogden Area it ranks first by elevation, and it is the highest mountain in that range. The surrounding country is steep and alpine, with ice, rock, and high ridges rather than settled lowlands.
Neighbouring peaks
The nearest named peaks and passes give a sense of how isolated Mount Swineford is within the range. It is higher than most nearby summits, but still lower than Mount Ogden, its nearest higher peak to the east.
- Wright Peaks — 1,650 m, 14.3 km NE
- Kluchman Mountain — 1,493 m, 14.8 km N
- Mount Fremont Morse — 1,977 m, 16.2 km E
- Mount Fremont Morse — 1,761 m, 16.8 km E
- Mount Ogden — 2,172 m, 20.2 km E
- Mount Ogden — 2,236 m, 20.2 km E
- Sittakanay Mountain — 2,115 m, 21.6 km NE
- Mount Strong — 1,704 m, 21.6 km N
The view from the summit
From the summit of Mount Swineford, the highest peaks within 25 km are part of the same rugged mountain system. To the east lies Unmarked Boundary Point 85 at 1,950 m, 16.2 km away. Farther north are Antler Peaks at 1,676 m, 23.9 km away, and Twin Glacier Peak at 1,401 m, 22.5 km to the northwest. Norris Mountain, 1,257 m, is 24.3 km to the west.
The range
Mount Swineford belongs to the Brundage-Ogden Area, whose high point is the range itself. The area spans Canada and the United States and contains 15 named peaks. The highest peak in the range is Mount Ogden, and Mount Swineford is the highest of the named summits within the Brundage-Ogden Area. That makes it a key point in this small but complex border region of the Boundary Ranges.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER climate data for 2001–2020 suggest a very cold summit environment. At the summit, the warmest month is about 0 °C in July, while the coldest is about -14 °C in January. No month averages above freezing at the summit. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 2,950 mm, with the wettest month in October at about 360 mm and the driest in May at about 135 mm. Expect snow, wind, poor visibility, and wet conditions for much of the year.
Best time to visit
Because the summit stays below freezing on average in every month, the most workable period is usually the short summer season, when temperatures are least severe and daylight is long. Even then, conditions can remain wintry at altitude. The drier part of the year is around May, while October is much wetter, so late spring and summer are generally the more practical windows for travel in this part of Alaska. Snowfields, cold rain, and fresh snowfall can still affect access and route conditions at any time.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain lies in a cold, wet alpine region where rock, snow, ice, and sparse high-elevation vegetation dominate above treeline. Lower slopes in southeastern Alaska commonly carry dense forest and wet subalpine growth, while higher ground supports lichens, mosses, and hardy alpine plants. Wildlife in the wider region can include bears, mountain goats, and birds adapted to coastal mountain terrain. The combination of steep relief and heavy precipitation means avalanche terrain, slick rock, and snow-covered slopes are part of the normal environment.
Guides and organised ascents
For a remote peak like Mount Swineford, a certified guide is sensible for parties without strong navigation, glacier, and alpine travel experience. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Examples of established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides in Moose, Wyoming. Guided trips usually depend on the number of days, group size, hut or camp nights, and equipment needs.
Safety and preparation
Mount Swineford demands full mountain preparation: cold-weather clothing, navigation skills, and the ability to handle snow, ice, and rapidly changing visibility. The wet climate can make rock and vegetation slippery, and the summit environment stays cold even in midsummer. In the United States, the emergency number for mountain rescue is 911; dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team. Carry a map, compass, and backup power, and be ready for delays caused by weather or route-finding.
Interesting facts
Mount Swineford is the highest of the 15 named peaks in the Brundage-Ogden Area. Its nearest higher peak is Mount Ogden, 20.2 km to the east, and the range high point is also Mount Ogden. The mountain sits in a border range that spans both Canada and the United States, which adds to the geographic interest of the area. Its summit elevation of 2,081 m places it well into alpine terrain.
FAQ
How high is Mount Swineford? It rises to 2,081 m.
Where is Mount Swineford located? It is in Juneau, Alaska, in the United States, within the Boundary Ranges of the Coast Mountains.
What range is Mount Swineford part of? It belongs to the Brundage-Ogden Area, which spans Canada and the United States.
What is the nearest higher peak? The nearest higher peak is Mount Ogden, 20.2 km to the east.
Is there water on the way to Mount Swineford? In this cold, wet alpine terrain, water is often available as snowmelt near higher ground, but it should be treated before drinking. Carry about 1.5–3 litres for a day, depending on heat and route length.
What is the weather like near the summit? It is cold year-round; the warmest month is about 0 °C in July and the coldest about -14 °C in January, with no month above freezing on average at the summit.
Will my phone work on Mount Swineford? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On open ridges a signal may be possible, but it often fails in valleys and behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.