Location and surroundings
Stormy Mountain is situated in Chelan County within the state of Washington, United States. Belonging to the North American Cordillera, Pacific Coast Ranges, Cascade Range, North Cascades, Chelan Mountains, and specifically the South Chelan Mountains, it holds the position of the highest of 16 named peaks in the South Chelan Mountains. The surrounding landscape features rugged terrain characteristic of the region, interspersed with natural springs and alpine topography within North America.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Stormy Mountain includes several notable peaks and passes. Here are the nearest elevations relative to the summit:
- Baldy Mountain (peak): 1,957 m, 4.2 km SE
- Pot Peak (peak): 1,435 m, 5.4 km N
- Slide Peak (peak): 1,701 m, 6.7 km E
- Angle Peak (peak): 2,053 m, 6.8 km NW
- East Point (peak): 2,083 m, 7.9 km NW
- Forest Mountain (peak): 1,599 m, 8.5 km SE
- Lone Peak (peak): 1,392 m, 8.6 km N
- Crescent Hill (peak): 2,057 m, 9.7 km NW
Standing at 2,194 metres, Stormy Mountain surpasses all of these immediate neighbors, making it the highest point in this specific local sub-range.
The view from the summit
From the high point of Stormy Mountain, visitors can observe several major regional summits within a 25-kilometre radius. The highest peaks within this range include South Navarre Peak at 2,342 m situated 24.6 km N, Uno Peak at 2,330 m located 24.7 km N, and Crow Hill reaching 2,245 m at a distance of 19.4 km NW. Additionally, observers can spot Graham Mountain at 2,208 m located 22.1 km NW, Big Goat Mountain at 2,147 m positioned 23.3 km N, and Big Hill at 2,081 m lying 16.7 km NW.
The range
Stormy Mountain belongs to a complex and extensive mountain hierarchy that begins broadly with the North American Cordillera, narrowing down through the Pacific Coast Ranges, the Cascade Range, the North Cascades, and the Chelan Mountains, down to its specific home in the South Chelan Mountains. Within the South Chelan Mountains, which contains 16 named peaks, Stormy Mountain serves as the undisputed high point of the range.
Climbing routes
The primary route utilized for ascending Stormy Mountain is the northwest ridge trail. This established path provides a direct line to the top of the peak, allowing climbers to navigate the terrain efficiently from the lower starting areas up to the summit elevation.
Access and starting points
The usual starting town for visitors heading toward Stormy Mountain is Chelan. Around the mountain, OpenStreetMap data records several geographical and infrastructural points of interest, including car parks with one located within 2 km of the top, specifically the nearest being 1.9 km SE. Water sources in the surrounding area feature Windy Camp Spring situated 1.2 km E, Stormy Spring located 1.3 km SE, and another spring at 1.6 km E. The marked hiking route crossing or passing next to the summit is the Devils Backbone Trail.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for Stormy Mountain are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 through 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the summit experiences its warmest month in July at about 9 °C and its coldest in December at about -9 °C. Months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include May, June, July, August, and September. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,050 mm annually, with November being the wettest month at about 155 mm and July the driest at about 20 mm. Typical weather hazards in the area include unpredictable conditions that can shift rapidly.
Best time to visit
The optimal window for visiting Stormy Mountain corresponds with the months that experience a mean temperature above freezing at the summit, which are May, June, July, August, and September. Furthermore, travellers looking for drier conditions can look to the summer months, noting that July is the driest month of the year with approximately 20 mm of precipitation, making it ideal for navigating the trails compared to the wetter autumn and winter periods.
Nature and wildlife
The environment surrounding Stormy Mountain features typical alpine and subalpine terrain characteristic of the North Cascades and the Cascade Range. Vegetation includes montane forests transitioning into rugged alpine flora near the summit ridge. The area directly encompasses and neighbors protected lands, specifically the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which provides a preserved habitat for local wildlife native to the mountainous regions of Washington.
Guides and organised ascents
For those seeking professional assistance in the region, the United States features established national organizations such as the American Mountain Guides Association—which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member—and the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies operating within the country include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. When planning ascents, visitors should note that some peaks in the country require climbing registration or permits from the land agency, such as Denali and Mount Rainier.
Safety and preparation
Ascending peaks of this height and terrain demands proper physical preparation, navigation tools, and adequate clothing to counter sudden shifts in weather. In the event of an emergency in the mountains of the United States, the general emergency number to dial is 911. Dispatchers will alert the local search and rescue team, which is usually run by the county sheriff or the national park service, ensuring a coordinated response for stranded or injured visitors.
History and name
Stormy Mountain received its descriptive moniker due to the unpredictable and stormy weather conditions that are frequently encountered in the surrounding area, making severe weather a defining characteristic for anyone venturing onto its slopes.
Interesting facts
Stormy Mountain holds the distinction of being the highest of 16 named peaks located within the South Chelan Mountains. It serves as the high point of that specific sub-range. The mountain is situated in Chelan County, Washington, and is closely associated with regional trails like the Devils Backbone Trail and local water sources such as Stormy Spring and Windy Camp Spring.
FAQ
How high is Stormy Mountain? Stormy Mountain reaches an elevation of 2,194 metres.
Where is Stormy Mountain located? It is located in the United States, within the state of Washington and Chelan County, acting as the highest point of the South Chelan Mountains.
Is there water on the way to Stormy Mountain? Yes, water sources near the summit include Windy Camp Spring at 1.2 km E, Stormy Spring at 1.3 km SE, and another spring located 1.6 km E.
How long does it take to walk up Stormy Mountain? From the car park 1.9 km SE of the top, at about 1,870 m, the rough walking time is an estimate of about 50 to 75 minutes covering about 2.5 km on foot and 330 m up.
What are some nearby peaks? Nearby peaks include Baldy Mountain at 4.2 km SE, Pot Peak at 5.4 km N, and Slide Peak at 6.7 km E.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on the mountain? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator; however, 112 or 911 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.