Cathedral Rock, Summit in Kittitas County, Washington.

Cathedral Rock is a summit in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness reaching 2049 meters with steep cliffs and deep valleys carved by glacial activity. The mountain offers multiple climbing routes ranging from moderate scrambles to technical rock climbs.

Cathedral Rock is an intrusive andesite volcanic complex, a rock type that records episodes of igneous activity in the Cascade Range. The surrounding Alpine Lakes Wilderness was shaped by Pleistocene glaciation; the last retreat in the area began about 14,000 years ago, leaving the U-shaped valleys and rock debris seen below the peak. The sources record no first ascent or climber for this summit.

The mountain serves as a focal point for mountaineers and hikers venturing into the Alpine Lakes backcountry through its multiple established routes. Many climbers view the peaks in this region as symbols of the outdoor recreation culture in Washington.

Cathedral Rock lies within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on Wenatchee National Forest land, and its runoff drains into tributaries of the Yakima River. The nearest higher peak is The Citadel, 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to the southwest, while Mount Daniel rises 2.2 miles (3.5 km) west-northwest. Approach from the west side expecting heavy winter snowfall; summers often bring little or no cloud cover.

Multiple climbing pathways exist here with varying difficulty levels, including the technical Northeast Buttress rated at class 5.7. These diverse routes attract climbers of different skill levels seeking different types of challenges.