Rich with history, The Pasayten Wilderness in Washington State spans 531,000 acres, skirts more than 50 miles of the Canadian border, and is one of the largest wilderness areas in the contiguous US. Horseshoe Basin in its northeastern corner is a high alpine tundra-like environment unlike anything else in the state. It's been on my list to explore for far too long. Last weekend I finally ventured there and left in awe of its landscape, solitude, and wildness.
Back in July I headed to Southern California to climb its 3 tallest peaks in 3 days as part of Adventure 16's 3 Peak Challenge. Who was crazy enough to join me? My folks of course! It turned out to be an amazing weekend and a reminder that staying active is the best medicine of all!
Relatively unknown Fawn Peak in Mazama is a gem of a peakbagging destination. One of the the 200 most prominent mountains in Washington, Fawn provides an enjoyable, open, ridge line traverse, plenty of spring flowers, and a broad summit with stunning 360 views.
While I might not recommend the awful gauntlet of a deadfall route required to get to Ramsey's summit, exploring the Methow Wildlife Area is always a quiet, beautiful experience.
Clark Peak (7,890') just south of Tiffany Mountain in the Tiffany Highlands has an incredibly steep north face and makes a great peakbagging destination, especially during the summer wildflower show.
Middle Tiffany (7,967') and Rock Mountain (7,971') in North Central Washington are on the State's top 200 most prominent peak list AND offer a spectacular summer wildflower show.
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