Overview
Cosho Peak, also called the " Ragged End " by Roper, is a seldomly visited peak towards the Western end of Ragged Ridge. The peak is so infrequently visited in fact, that the summit register is still the original one, with Ropers name heading the list. While Moderatly sized glaciers flank it`s northern slopes, its southern slopes are a series of ribs and gullies that provide a class 2-3 route to the col. The summit has impresive views of tall peaks and giant glaciers that surround Thunder & Fisher creeks, including Logan and Goode. The peak requires tough travel both on and off trail, making entry over anything but "Easy Pass " and going off-trail through dense brush to reach the gully heading towards the summit. Although this is not a "classic climb " by any stretch of the imagination, location and infrequent visitation gives it a feeling of solitude and isolation.
Getting There
Drive Hwy 20 to approx 6 miles West of Rainy Pass and the turn-off for Easy Pass TH. Hike the trail 3 1/2 miles to the pass and another 1 1/2 miles down into Fisher cr basin. From there continue down Fisher cr another 4 1/2 miles (passing Cosho camp at 4 miles ) to a log crossing of Fisher cr. Cross the creek and in less than a 1/4 mile recross Fisher creek on a downed tree. ( if you reach a creek coming down from the slopes of Logan you have gone too far ) From here find the gully that takes you to the col between Cosho and Thieves Peaks.
Red Tape
This is the North Cascades N P, so back-country permits are required for overnight camping. Even if you cross over the ridge into the recreation area to camp it still requires a permit. The N W Forest Pass is also required to park at the trailhead. Overnight camping permits can be obtained from the ranger station in Marblemount as well as a NW forest pass. N W Forest Passes are also availabe from any ranger station as well as some convienience stores in the area. Before or after hours, backcountry permits are available on a self registration basis at the Marblemount ranger station.
When To Climb
Summer is the season to climb this peak. Late Spriing or early Summer would have the advantage of snow covered slopes hiding the loose rock and maybe covering some of the dense brush, although it might make for a little extra work getting over Easy Pass. Mid- Summer is probably the best time, the rock isn`t too loose although the bugs can get pretty bad in the lower elevations. Autumn would`t be a bad choise either, with the Larch trees at Easy Pass turnig gold, the bugs gone for the season and school back in session.
Camping
Camping is allowed in the area with a backcountry permit. Established sites in the N P are, Fisher camp at 5 mi. & Cosho camp at 9 mi. There are also some beautiful, small bivy sites on the North side of the col between Thieves and Cosho. Drop down around 100 ft to a flat meadowy bench surrounded by snow. There is water available and 3-4 small sites, including one we refered to as "THE COFFIN ", which looked just like a coffin without the lid. This area was melted out in early August but may still be covered in snow prior to that. There is also a lot of flat snow to camp on if one dosn`t mind setting up on snow.
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