Mount Prophet

Getting There

Drive SR-20 to the Ross Dam Trailhead at the south end of Ross Lake. (2,100 ft).

Approach

Hike the Ross Dam Trail 1.2 miles to the Big Beaver Trail and hike the Big Beaver Trail northwest. Or take a boat from the Ross Lake Resort to the Big Beaver Campsites and hike the Beaver Trail from there.

Ascent Route

The two standard routes are the South Ridge and the Southwest Rib. Climb the Southwest Rib in spring or early summer to avoid cornices on the South Ridge route. Climb the South Ridge in mid to late summer to avoid talus and scree in the upper southwest cirque which is snow covered in early season.

South Ridge

Leave Big Beaver Trail just after Thirtynine Mile Creek and Thirtynine Mile Camp heading north. Travel open forest following Thirtynine Mile Ridge to Points 5078, then 6071, and finally Mount Prophet's South Ridge, passing Points 6690, 7361, and 7547. There are camping  opportunities at the saddle after Point 6690 or at the saddle between Points 7361 and 6690.

Southwest Rib

Hike the Big Beaver Trail to Luna Camp, ~5 miles past Thirtynine Mile Camp. Ford the creek back and ascend through the brush to the right of the creek where travel is the easiest. At 3,800 ft begin ascending through forest on the Southwest Rib. At 5,450 ft traverse southeast to a wall on the left and descend 5 to 10 feet to a ledge that slopes downward with two Class 4 chimneys and a few arête formations just before the start of the ledge. Choose whichever option looks best and descend 10-15 feet and enter the southwest cirque. There is a cliff band at the top of the cirque (6,900 ft) that is bypassed by following a snow ramp on its east side. Ascend to the saddle east of the Mount Prophet (7,420 ft) and then follow the ridge to the summit, passing a gendarme near the summit on the gendarme's south side.

Descent

Descend the climbing route.

Equipment

Standard glacier travel gear.

• Suitable Activities: Climbing
• Climbing Category: Basic Alpine
• Seasons: July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Basic Alpine Climb
• Length: 18.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 7,200 ft
• High Point: 7,640 ft

• Land Manager: North Cascades National Park
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 6
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 6