Location and surroundings
Red Mountain is part of the chain North American Cordillera > Pacific Coast Ranges > Cascade Range > North Cascades > Mountain Loop Area > Ragged Ridge. It lies in Snohomish County, Washington, and is the highest mountain in Ragged Ridge. The terrain around it is typical of the North Cascades: steep forested slopes lower down, then rocky ridges, open alpine ground, and exposed summits. The mountain is inside or beside public lands, so travel here is shaped by wilderness conditions rather than roads or developed facilities.
Neighbouring peaks
- Sheep Gap Mountain — 1,774 m, 3.1 km east; this is the nearest higher peak.
- Gothic Peak — 1,895 m, 3.3 km northeast.
- North Crested Butte — 1,599 m, 3.4 km east.
- Crested Buttes — 1,568 m, 3.5 km southeast.
- South Crested Butte — 1,627 m, 3.5 km southeast.
- Del Campo Peak — 2,016 m, 4.2 km northeast.
- Mineral Butte — 1,602 m, 4.7 km southeast.
- Morning Star Peak — 1,834 m, 4.9 km north.
Red Mountain is lower than several nearby summits, but it is the highest point in its own ridge. The close spacing of peaks and passes means the skyline changes quickly from one ridge to the next.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest peaks include Sloan Peak to the northeast at 2,388 m, Kyes Peak to the east at 2,220 m, Mount Pugh to the northeast at 2,195 m, Cadet Peak to the east at 2,191 m, Columbia Peak to the east at 2,175 m, and Painted Mountain to the northeast at 2,106 m. From Red Mountain, these are the larger surrounding summits that shape the long views across the North Cascades.
The range
Red Mountain belongs to Ragged Ridge, whose high point is Red Mountain itself. The ridge has 10 named peaks, and Red Mountain ranks as the highest of them. In the wider hierarchy, Ragged Ridge sits inside the North Cascades and then the Cascade Range, part of the mountain systems of western North America. That makes Red Mountain a local high point rather than a regional giant, but an important summit within its own ridge.
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, and the coldest is December, at about -6 °C. Mean temperatures are above freezing at the summit from May through October. The surrounding area receives about 1,850 mm of precipitation a year, with the wettest month in November at about 285 mm and the driest in July at about 35 mm. Expect rain, snow, fog, and rapidly changing conditions.
Best time to visit
The most workable months are usually the ones when summit temperatures are above freezing: May, June, July, August, September, and October. Even then, early season snow can linger on shaded slopes and ridges, while autumn can turn wet quickly. The driest period is around July, which often gives the best chance of stable weather, but the mountain still demands preparation for cold wind, slick rock, and sudden visibility changes.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain lies in a forested and alpine part of the North Cascades, where lower slopes are typically covered by conifer forest and higher ground opens into rock, heather, and sparse alpine vegetation. Wildlife in this region can include deer, black bears, mountain goats, and a range of birds adapted to steep terrain. Protected land around the summit includes Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Wild Sky Wilderness, which help keep the area largely undeveloped.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Red Mountain, a certified guide is usually optional for experienced hikers and climbers, but it can be sensible if you are unfamiliar with steep, remote North Cascades terrain, route-finding, or early-season snow. In the United States, the main professional body is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. 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 include route planning, instruction, and group equipment advice; the cost depends on the number of days, group size, hut nights if any, and technical gear needs.
Safety and preparation
Red Mountain calls for mountain travel experience, steady fitness, and comfort with rough ground. The combination of steep slopes, changing weather, and remote terrain means that navigation and timing matter. Snow can remain on the mountain well into the season, and wet rock or fog can make progress slower than expected. In an emergency in the United States, call 911; dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or a national park agency.
Interesting facts
Red Mountain is the highest of the 10 named peaks in Ragged Ridge. Its nearest higher neighbour is Sheep Gap Mountain, 3.1 km to the east. The summit is also the high point of its own ridge, which gives it local prominence in a compact cluster of peaks. Around it, the North Cascades rise to much higher summits such as Sloan Peak and Kyes Peak, so Red Mountain is part of a larger and higher mountain landscape.
FAQ
How high is Red Mountain? It rises to 1,739 m.
Where is Red Mountain? It is in Snohomish County, Washington, in the United States, within Ragged Ridge in the North Cascades.
What range is Red Mountain part of? It belongs to the chain North American Cordillera > Pacific Coast Ranges > Cascade Range > North Cascades > Mountain Loop Area > Ragged Ridge.
What is the nearest higher peak? Sheep Gap Mountain, 1,774 m, lies 3.1 km to the east.
Is there water on the way to Red Mountain? The summit area is in a cool, wet mountain climate, but on ridges you should plan to carry your own supply. A sensible amount is 1.5-3 litres for a day, depending on heat and route length; any snowmelt should be treated before drinking.
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 should I prepare for the climb? Expect steep, remote terrain, variable weather, and possible snow outside midsummer. Good navigation skills and layered clothing are important.
Is mobile phone coverage reliable? 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.