Location and surroundings
Red Mountain is in the United States, in Washington, within Kittitas County. It belongs to the North American Cordillera, the Pacific Coast Ranges, the Cascade Range, the South Washington Cascades, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and finally Kachess Ridge. At 1,792 m, it is the highest of the 20 named peaks in Kachess Ridge.
The mountain rises in a forested and mountainous landscape typical of the central Washington Cascades, with steep ridges, subalpine slopes, and open high ground near the top. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest reaches the summit area, and Red Mountain Lookout sits just south of the top, giving the summit area a developed point of reference in otherwise wild terrain.
Neighbouring peaks
- Thorp Mountain — 1,784 m, 5.6 km SW
- North Peak — 1,677 m, 7.0 km S
- Davis Peak Southwest — 1,963 m, 7.3 km NE
- Cone Mountain — 1,614 m, 7.5 km N
- Davis Peak Central — 1,975 m, 7.5 km NE
- Davis Peak — 1,959 m, 7.5 km NE
- Davis Peak North — 1,984 m, 7.9 km NE
- Sasse Mountain — 1,747 m, 8.0 km SE
Red Mountain is close to several higher peaks to the northeast, especially the Davis Peak group. Its nearest higher neighbour is Davis Peak Southwest, which rises 171 m higher and lies 7.3 km away. To the south and southwest, the surrounding peaks are slightly lower or similar in height, which makes Red Mountain the high point of its ridge rather than a minor shoulder of a larger summit.
The view from the summit
From Red Mountain, the highest peaks within 25 km are part of the broader Cascade skyline. Notable summits include Mount Stuart to the northeast at 20.2 km, Pandora's Box to the east at 24.8 km, Eightmile Mountain to the northeast at 23.9 km, Mount Daniel - West Peak to the north at 18.9 km, Chimney Rock to the northwest at 16.4 km, and Ingalls Peak to the northeast at 17.1 km. These are the main high points likely to define the distant horizon on a clear day.
The range
Red Mountain belongs to Kachess Ridge, which is the highest point of that range. Kachess Ridge has 20 named peaks, and Red Mountain ranks first among them by elevation. The ridge sits within the South Washington Cascades and the wider Cascade Range of the United States. In this setting, Red Mountain is a local high point rather than one of the major summits of the entire Cascades.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cold for much of the year. The warmest month is July, at about 10 °C, while the coldest is December, at about -6 °C. Mean temperatures above freezing at the summit are expected from May through October. The surrounding area receives about 1,750 mm of precipitation a year, with about 260 mm in January and about 30 mm in July.
In practice, the mountain is exposed to wet winter storms, lingering snow, and rapid weather changes common in the Cascades. Summer can bring clearer travel windows, but wind, cold mornings, and sudden cloud build-up remain normal hazards at this elevation.
Best time to visit
The most practical season for Red Mountain is usually late spring through early autumn, when summit temperatures are more likely to be above freezing and the snowpack is more manageable. Based on the climate estimates, May to October are the months with mean temperatures above 0 °C at the summit, and July is the driest month in the surrounding area. Even then, snowfields, wet ground, and cool nights can still affect travel.
Nature and wildlife
The slopes around Red Mountain are part of a mountain forest and subalpine environment. Lower elevations typically carry conifer forest, while higher ground opens into rocky ridges, heather, alpine grasses, and patches of lingering snow. Wildlife in this part of Washington commonly includes deer, black bear, mountain birds, and smaller alpine species, with animal activity changing by season. The summit area lies within Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which helps preserve the surrounding mountain landscape.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Red Mountain, a certified guide is usually not essential for experienced hikers in stable summer conditions, but it can be useful if snow, route-finding, or steep terrain are involved. In the United States, the main professional body is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. Visitors also often turn to the American Alpine Club for information and community contacts, and to established guiding companies working in the mountains of the country such as RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides. A guided ascent usually depends on the number of days, group size, equipment, and any overnight logistics.
Safety and preparation
Red Mountain is a moderate-height Cascade peak, but the terrain still demands preparation for steep ground, changing weather, and possible snow well into the warm season. Good footwear, navigation tools, layers, and the ability to turn back are important. In wet or snowy conditions, traction and route-finding become more serious. For emergencies in the United States, call 911; dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or a national park system.
History and name
The mountain has an eponymous mine on its southern side, known as Red Mountain Mine, where tungsten, molybdenum, and copper were mined. The name Red Mountain is also reflected in other forms used for the peak in different languages, including reddomaunten, ریڈ ماؤنٹین, and レッドマウンテン. The mining history gives the mountain a local industrial association in addition to its place in the Cascades.
Interesting facts
Red Mountain is the highest of the 20 named peaks in Kachess Ridge. Its nearest higher peak is Davis Peak Southwest, 7.3 km to the northeast. The summit is also close to Red Mountain Lookout, only 190 m to the south. Although it is a ridge high point, it sits well below the major Cascade giants visible within 25 km, such as Mount Stuart and Mount Daniel - West Peak.
FAQ
How high is Red Mountain? Red Mountain has an elevation of 1,792 m.
Where is Red Mountain located? It is in Kittitas County, Washington, in the United States, within the Cascade Range and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
What range is Red Mountain part of? It belongs to Kachess Ridge, which is part of the South Washington Cascades in the broader Cascade Range.
What is the nearest higher peak to Red Mountain? The nearest higher peak is Davis Peak Southwest, 7.3 km to the northeast, at 1,963 m.
Is there water on the way to Red Mountain? The summit area is on a dry ridge in a mountain climate, so plan to carry your own water. For a day outing, 1.5 to 3 litres is a sensible range depending on heat, effort, and season.
Are there huts on Red Mountain? 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 is mobile phone coverage on Red Mountain? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On an open summit it may be possible, but ridges and valleys can block the signal. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.