Johannesburg Mountain

Johannesburg Mountain

Taken from the Trailhead of Cascade Pass
Elevation 8,200+ ft (2,499+ m) NGVD 29[1]
Prominence 1,560 ft (480 m)[1]
Location
Location Skagit County, Washington, U.S.
Range North Cascades
Coordinates 48°27′53″N 121°05′31″W / 48.4648474°N 121.0920574°WCoordinates: 48°27′53″N 121°05′31″W / 48.4648474°N 121.0920574°W[2]
Topo map USGS Cascade Pass (WA)
Climbing
First ascent 1938 by Calder Bressler, Bill Cox, Ralph Clough, Tom Myers
Easiest route East Route (hike/scramble)

Johannesburg Mountain is one of the most famous peaks in the North Cascades of Washington state. Though not one of the top 100 peaks in the state by elevation,[3]

nor one of the top peaks as ranked by topographic prominence,[4] Johannesburg is notable for its large, steep local relief, and particularly its immense, dramatic Northeast Face, which drops 5,000 feet (1,525 m) in only 0.9 miles (1.4 km).

The name "Johannesburg Mountain" comes, through an error, from "Johnsberg," the name of three mining claims on the north face of the peak. It has also been called "Elsbeth."[5]

Johannesburg Mountain was first climbed on July 26, 1938 by Calder Bressler, Bill Cox, Ralph Clough, and Tom Myers, via a version of the most popular route today, the East Ridge/Cascade-Johannesburg Couloir Route. This route, and others which also finish on the south side of the mountain, are mostly scrambling routes. However there are many routes on the north and northeast faces which are highly technical and involve considerable objective danger from falling rock and ice.[5]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Johannesburg Mountain, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  2. ↑ "Johannesburg Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  3. ↑ Howbert, Jeff. "Washington 100 Highest Peaks". The Northwest Peakbaggers Asylum.
  4. ↑ Howbert, Jeff. "All Washington Peaks with 2000 Feet of Prominence". The Northwest Peakbaggers Asylum.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Beckey, Fred W. (2003). Cascade alpine guide : climbing and high routes. Vol. 2, Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass (3rd ed.). Mountaineers Books. pp. 274–281. ISBN 978-0-89886-838-8.

External links