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Mineral Butte

  • Jan 27
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 2

1/27/2026

Mineral Butte is a great winter climb that seems to be getting much more attention now that the Index-Galena Road has been repaired. The climb starts shortly after crossing the North Fork Skykomish River on Salmon Creek Road. The road is gated shortly after the crossing.


There is an old, switchbacking logging road on the lower part of the mountain that is quickly being reclaimed by nature. This road can be used to make a gentle ascent up to about 3800’, but with the increasing presence of alder and other vegetation encroaching on the path, it isn’t completely smooth sailing. Plus, the long switchbacks would add significant distance, so I opted to just ignore the road entirely (except for maybe 1/3 of a mile from the car) and cut cross country straight up through second growth forest. It had been since the summer since I had done any significant off-trail travel, and it felt weirdly good to be thrashing my way through dense salal bushes upon leaving the road.


Snow-capped mountain under cloudy sky, surrounded by dense green trees. The mood is serene and natural, with a wintry atmosphere.
Spire Mountain

The first switchback cut presented the most difficult terrain, with some fairly steep and bushy sections, but beyond the next road intersection the forest was mostly open and pleasant. I crossed the road many times, making consistent progress and saving lots of distance (and time) in the process. The first snow patches began to appear at about 3000’. Before long snow cover was consistent, but the cold temperatures and settled snowpack had created a very supportive crust, so snowshoes were not needed.


At about 3400’ the road finally began pointing in the direction of the route and I followed it and the snowshoe tracks of climbers before me for another half mile. Eventually the trees began to get bigger as I moved out of logging territory. The final 500 feet or so of the climb steepened significantly, and the forest began to open up to great views back to Spire, Gunn, and Index. I had put on snowshoes at this point even though they weren’t strictly necessary. They provided enough bite in the hard snow to make me feel secure but were a bit awkward on the steeper bits. I also brought out my ice axe here in an abundance of caution. Nothing is too steep on Mineral Butte, but the snow was crusty enough where a slide could happen if I were to slip.


Snowy hillside with rocks scattered among trees under a clear blue sky. Tall evergreens border the slope, creating a serene winter scene.
One of the open sections near the summit
Snow-covered mountains under a cloudy sky, with dense evergreen trees in the foreground. The scene is serene and majestic.
Silvertip on the left, Cadet on the far right
Snow-capped mountain with evergreen trees in foreground. Clear sky with a few clouds sets a serene mood.
I think this is Hubbart

The summit views from Mineral Butte were awesome. I particularly liked looking back toward Del Campo, Gothic Peak, and Sheep Gap Mountain. I tried my best to ignore the slightly alarming state of the late-January snowpack and enjoy the incredible place I was in.


Snowy mountain range with rocky peaks, coniferous trees, and a cloudy sky. Rugged terrain evokes a serene, natural atmosphere.
Ridge to Sheep Gap Mountain, Gothic Peak, and Del Campo
Person in black jacket and gloves poses joyfully on snowy hill with arms outstretched. Snowy mountains and evergreen trees in the background.
Summit posing
Snow-capped mountains with rocky peaks and dense coniferous forests beneath a cloudy blue sky, conveying a serene and majestic mood.
Another Del Campo shot

To descend the steeper bits at the top I wore microspikes instead of snowshoes, which was definitely the right call. The snow was softening up a bit, and I could easily plunge step down, which made the descent really easy and fast. I never put on snowshoes at all for the entire descent. I retraced my steps and followed my ascent track as best I could through the woods. Overall, my roundtrip time was 5 hours and 18 minutes, including a good summit break. The supportive snow made for a pretty expeditious trip to this beautiful part of the Cascades.


Snowy mountain landscape with evergreen trees in the foreground, blue mountains in the distance, under a cloudy sky. Serene and cold atmosphere.
Looking back at Gunn and the North Fork Skykomish River valley
Snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky with dark forested valleys. The scene is serene and expansive, showcasing nature's rugged beauty.
Spire Mountain, with Stuart lurking in the back left
Snow-covered mountain with evergreen trees in the foreground, set against a backdrop of blue, hazy peaks under a cloudy sky.
Bear Mountain
Snow-covered forest with tall pine trees, sunlight filtering through, creating a serene and calm winter landscape.
Typical open forest

Final Stats: 8.9 miles / 4241 feet of gain

Contour map showing a climbing route with a red line

 
 
 

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