Elevation 2,499 m Prominence 475 m | Topo map USGS Cascade Pass (WA) First ascent 1938 | |
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Easiest route East Route (hike/scramble) Similar Boston Peak, Sahale Mountain, Forbidden Peak, Mount Formidable, Eldorado Peak | ||
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, nor one of the top peaks as ranked by topographic prominence, 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).
Map of Johannesburg Mountain, Washington, USA
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."
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.