Fortress is a high peak deep in the glacier peak wilderness area. It is an elusive goal in the sense that if you use the buck creek pass approach, the summit isn't seen until right below the peak and about 7,200 feet. It has alot to offer. A well maintained aproach trail that gets it's fair share of traffic but most if not all head to the buck creek pass area. Scenery that ranges from towering buck Mt. above the approach trail, to the many creek crossings coming off the sides of the buck creek valley. Then while at the summit the views stretching from the very close Glacier peak, bonanza, and then to most of the volacanic summits. I have been in this area twice and seen bear, deer, marmot's and on the upper reaches the white tufts of hair that Mt. goats leave behind. The climb itself is nothing more than a rock scramble (class 2) in mid summer. Steep snow in early season. One last word of note I we searched for the summit register and none to be found. So if someone has this great climb in there future please bring up a summit register.

Getting There

From hwy 2 look for the exit signs to lake wenatchee and then proceed to the bridge over the outlet stream from lake wenatchee and bear right. Find the signs to chiwawa river rd and proceed (north) to the end and about 20 miles+ . From the parking lot take the buck creek trail which is well marked and maintained. At about the 4,500 ft level you reach a large avalanche debris area (lots of large downed trees) be cautious here as the trail switchbacks more to the east side of the valley. In early season the trail may be covered with deep snow here. Continue on and reach a jct with the pass no pass trail (not marked) that bears right at about 5800 ft and just after crossing a bog bridge (covered in early season). Reach pass no pass at 6,400 ft and camp spots. From there head ENE bearing up and to the right of a minor rock knob and towards upper benches and more camp spots. From these benches you get the first glimpses of Fortress and can pick your line well from the area to the summit. Would depend on the season for which line to take. We scrambled most of the way up over talus, and loose rock.

Red Tape

Trail head park pass required. There are 2 fee stations on the chiwawa river Rd for these if you don't own them and forgot to stop at the ranger station.

When To Climb

The usual time to climb is when the chiwawa river rd melts out. I would assume being at a relatively low elevation (start 2,800 ft)and more towads the east side of the cascades it would be around june to access the trail head.

Camping

Car camping is available at multiple camp grounds along the chiwawa river rd access. The primary spot being Phelps creek and next to the trailhead. Get there early for a spot.

Equipment to bring: Ice axe and mole skin.

Miscellaneous Info

There are many possible loop routes. 1 being from fortress continue on a general ENE bearing towards chiwawa Mt. summit then make the return trip via chiwawa river trail. Another possibility and a bit longer, from fortress, chiwawa, continue on still ENE to spider gap and return to the car via spider meadown trail.

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