For as little attention as it gets, I personally think that Stuart Mountain Range in Washington is one of the best-kept secrets of the entire PNW.
The jagged peaks (tons of them), lakes, forests, and everything else add together to make this a retreat that is enjoyed by the lucky few who make the drive.
So, if you’re going to hike any of the peaks of the Stuart Range, which should it be? Well, my method is always simply to choose the one that looks the most interesting and then figure out a plan. And, since there are over 600 miles of maintained hiking trails you can get just about anywhere you want.
So whether you want to take in the sweeping panoramas provided on top of Stuart Peak or trek deep into Columbia-Wenatchee National Forest, let’s take a look at a few of the options!
While it’s not a perfect picture, this is the best view that you can really get of the range.
Nearly the entire range is hikable (or climbable) as the case may be so let’s take a look at the peaks so we can see what the height options are.
List Of Stuart Mountain Range Peaks (From North To South)
I will note that I decided not to include only peaks on this list. Rather, I included all the major peaks (in my opinion) and most other features that are of interest and were labeled on the panorama above.
| Mountain Feature | Height – Feet (Meters) | Height Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Bean Peak | 6,743 ft (2,055 m) | 38 |
| Hibox Mountain | 6,547 ft (1,996 m) | 41 |
| Alta Mountain | 6,240 ft (1900 m) | 42 |
| Volcanic Neck | 6,600 ft (2,012 m) | 40 |
| Davis Peak | 7,055 ft (2,150 m) | 34 |
| Chickamin Peak | 7,000 ft (2,134 m) | 35 |
| Hawkins Mountain | 7,160 ft (2,182 m) | 32 |
| Lemah Mountain | 7,480 ft (2,280 m) | 23 |
| Chimney Rock | 7,727 ft (2,355 m) | 20 |
| Overcoat Peak | 7,432 ft (2,265 m) | 25 |
| Summit Chief Mountain | 7,464 ft (2,275 m) | 24 |
| Little Big Chief | 7,225 ft (2,202 m) | 30 |
| Fortune Peak | 7,382 ft (2,250 m) | 26 |
| Ingalls Peak South | 7,640 ft (2,328 m) | 22 |
| Ingalls Peak North | 7,662 ft (2,335 m) | 21 |
| Mount Daniel | 7,959 ft (2,426 m) | 17 |
| Dip Top Peak | 7,291 ft (2,222 m) | 27 |
| Cascadian Coulior | N/A | – |
| Mount Stuart | 9,415 ft (2,870 m) | 1 |
| Great Gendarme | N/A | – |
| Sherpa Peak | 8,605 ft (2623 m) | 6 |
| Sherpa Pass | N/A | – |
| Argonaut Peak | 8,453 ft (2,576 m) | 8 |
| Porcupine Peak | 7,762 ft (2,366 m) | 19 |
| Colchuck Peak | 8,705 ft (2,653 m) | 4 |
| Dragontail Creek | N/A | – |
| Pandoras Box | 8,720 ft (2,658 m) | 3 |
| Dragontail Peak | 8,842 ft (2,690 m) | 2 |
| Boola Bool Buttress | 8,400 ft (2,560 m) | 10 |
| Annapurna Creek | N/A | – |
| Witches Tower | 8,520 ft (2,600 m) | 7 (tie) |
| Cathay Towers | 6,640 ft (2,024 m) | 39 |
| Little Annapurna | 8,440 ft (2,573 m) | 9 |
| Pennant Peak | 8,080 ft (2463 m) | 15 |
| Porpoise Point | 7,280 ft (2,219 m) | 28 |
| Enchantment Peak | 8,520 ft (2,597 m) | 7 (tie) |
| Crystal Creek | N/A | – |
| Cannon Mountain | 8,638 ft (2,633 m) | 5 |
| Nightmare Needles | 7,218 ft (2,200 m) | 31 |
| Cruel Fingers | 7,080 ft (2,158 m) | 33 |
| Fantasia Tower | 7,876 ft (2,401 m) | 18 |
| Chessman Notch | N/A | – |
| Gray Tower | 6,800 ft (2,073 m) | 36 |
| McClellan Peak | 8,364 ft (2,549 m) | 11 |
| Glockenspiel Tower | N/A | – |
| Mount Temple | 8,292 ft (2,527 m) | 12 |
| Razorback Spire | 8,180 ft (2,493 m) | 13 |
| Comet Spire | 8,120 ft (2,475 m) | 14 |
| The Professor | 7,960 ft (2426 m) | 16 |
| The Eagleheads | 6,760 ft (2,060 m) | 37 |
| Gremlin Peak | 7,250 ft (2,210 m) | 29 |
However, a tall peak really doesn’t tell you how much hiking you’ll have to do or how great the view will be when you get there.
So, in short, here are my recommendations for the best hikes in the area.
Most Iconic Hikes Of The Stuart Range – My Top 5
If you’ve never visited this part of the PNW, you might be shocked to find out that all of the ranges just east of Leavenworth have a different flavor than Washington’s coastal mountains. They are more “european” feeling with towers, jagged peaks, couloirs, and other stunning features. So if you’re just getting used to this area, here are some of the hikes that I would recommend. They offer what I feel is a good range that will let you experience what the Stuart Range has to offer.
1. Enchantment Lakes Basin
This hike takes you on a 7-mile trek to one of the most beautiful areas in all of Washington State. Named after the many glacial lakes and ponds in the area, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular destination. Not only does this hike offer plenty of opportunities to take some incredible photos, but it also has plenty of trails that lead off in different directions so you can explore as much or as little as you’d like.
2. Colchuck Lake Trail
Another great option for exploring the Stuart Mountains is Colchuck Lake Trail. This 8-mile round trip hike takes you past numerous snow-capped peaks and meadows filled with wildflowers before finally reaching your destination at Colchuck Lake itself, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across the lake to nearby peaks.
3. Ingalls Creek Trail
For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, Ingalls Creek Trail offers a challenging 10-mile loop trail that winds through alpine meadows and dense forests before emerging out onto open rocky ridges with expansive views along the way. It’s definitely not an easy hike, but the rewards are well worth it!
4. Mount Stuart Summit Trail
If you’re looking for an even bigger challenge, then look no further than Mount Stuart Summit Trail. This strenuous 14-mile round trip trail will take you up over 8500 feet above sea level to one of Washington State’s highest points – Mount Stuart itself! Along your journey up you’ll encounter plenty of wildflowers and jaw-dropping views from atop this mountain peak.
5. Little Wenatchee River Trail
Last but not least is Little Wenatchee River Trail – a moderate 5-mile round trip hike through some beautiful alpine meadows and riverside forests before arriving at your destination – Little Wenatchee Falls! Here you’ll find a spectacular waterfall cascading down into a deep pool below surrounded by towering evergreen trees – an ideal spot for lunch or just taking in some peace and quiet away from civilization.
The Stuart Mountain Range is one of Washington State’s most scenic spots – perfect for hikers looking to get off the beaten path and explore nature’s beauty first-hand. Whether you’re looking for a short day hike or an overnight adventure, there’s something here for everyone! So put on your hiking boots and hit one (or more!) of these five stunning trails today! You won’t regret it!
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