Sourdough Mountain

Description

North Cascades National Park refers to Sourdough Mountain Trail as "one of the most strenuous trails in the park". The trail is well-traveled and easily accessible, its trailhead located behind the indoor swimming pool in the town of Diablo, just off State Route 20.

The trail is steep, gaining nearly 5000 feet in just over 5 miles of relentless switchbacks, first through forest, then through alpine meadow. The reward from the top is a stunning panoramic view of the high, rugged peaks and glaciers of the North Cascades, plus the emerald green waters of Ross Lake far below.

Just below the summit is a historic fire lookout (still standing by not open to the public), once occupied by poets Gary Snyder and Philip Whalen, as detailed in the book "Poets on the Peaks".

Elevation Plot