Overview
Tower Mountain is a prominent peak east of Rainy Pass and northwest of Washington Pass. It offers great views to the west and north into the North Cascades mountain ranges and to the south into the Glacier Peak region. The west and south sides of the mountain consist of various gully systems allowing relatively easy climbing but the east face presents a sheer vertical wall. Probably because of its more famous neighbors such as Black Peak, Cutthroat, Liberty Bell, Silverstar etc., it does not seem to get much climbed. From its base the nearby peak Golden Horn can also be climbed.
Getting There
All trailheads to the mountain can be reached from the North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20). There are several options to approach the mountain. If you are coming from the west (Seattle) you can start from the PCNST trailhead at Rainy Pass. The parking area is on the east side of the road or across the Rainy Pass Picnic area about 37 miles east of Newhalem, WA. Or if you prefer a bushwhacking approach you can start from the pullout at Swamp Creek on Highway 20 (3 miles before you get to Rainy Pass). If you are coming from the east, you can park at the Cutthroat Lake trailhead and follow Cutthroat Lake trail to PCNST.
Red Tape
A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the trailhead. Registration at Marblemount Ranger Station is not required as the peak is outside the park.
When To Climb
For a snow free climb July through October would be fine.
Camping
There are excellent campsites along the PCNST and especially at the Snowy Lakes area right at the base of the mountain.
Mountain Conditions
Tower Mountain is located almost on the east side of the Cascade Crest and therefore the forecast for the east slopes of Northern Cascades can be checked. The closest town for the forecast is Mazama, WA.
External LinksImages
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