Mount Pugh, Mountain summit in North Cascades, Washington, United States

Mount Pugh is a 7,201-foot peak at the western edge of the North Cascades, 12.2 miles west of Glacier Peak. It rises 6,150 feet above the Sauk River Valley in just over two horizontal miles. The Northwest Ridge Trail climbs almost exactly one mile in elevation, with the final 1.5 miles along a razorback ridge with significant exposure.

Mount Pugh is named for John Pugh, who settled nearby in 1891. According to Fred Beckey, Nels Bruseth apparently made the first recorded ascent in 1916; earlier unrecorded climbs, possibly by Native Americans, remain possible because the easiest route is non-technical. The peak's native name is Da Klagwats.

The peak's Native name is Da Klagwats, and it was named for John Pugh, who settled nearby in 1891. Fred Beckey credits Nels Bruseth with the first recorded ascent, in 1916; earlier Native American ascents are considered possible because the easiest route needs no technical climbing.

The hike to the summit covers 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) round trip with roughly 1,615 meters of elevation gain and demands solid hiking experience. Bring proper gear and check conditions before heading out.

From Stujack Pass at about 5,750 feet, the trail transforms into a knife-edge ridge with multiple exposed sections. This narrow crest separates White Chuck River Valley from Sauk River Valley and offers unusual views down both sides.