"Without a rival as the crown peak in the central Cascades of Washington, Mount Stuart has been pronounced the single greatest mass of exposed granite in the United States...its northern and eastern faces are the alpine climax of the Wenatchee Mountains. They make a powerful impact on first sight...The mountaineering problems are magnified by the mountain's massive dimensions and its complexity." - excerpted from Fred Beckey's "Cascade Alpine Guide"
Overlooking the Kittitas Valley and visible from many other nearby mountains, Mt. Stuart is an icon of Central Washington. Sitting at 9,415ft, this beautiful mountain attracts many climbers during the summer months. The primary FKT route starts at the Ingalls Lake trailhead, goes up and over Longs Pass to Ingalls Creek, and ascends the Cascadian Couloir to the summit. Descent is by the same route.
https://www.mountaineers.org/activities/routes-places/ingalls-stuart-area-review/mt-stuart-cascadian-couloir
The West Ridge is the second most commonly climbed route on the mountain. It includes low fifth class climbing, a great deal of scrambling, and significant route-finding challenges.
