Jove Peak

With steep, broad slopes and no maintained trail to the summit, Jove Peak is a popular winter destination, but is attainable year round.

Typically approached by ascending up and over Union Peak, Jove makes for a nice addition - letting you bag two peaks in one day. The views from the top are stunning, including several neighboring Lichtenberg and McCausland, and unobstructed views of the surrounding Cascades.

The most direct way to the top is via the Nason Ridge Saddle route. Follow a very faint climbers trail that occasionally disappears altogether. When this happens, stay on top of the ridge to stay on the route. But be careful - the ridge can vary in width from a couple hundred feet wide to a knife edge just a couple of feet across.

In one spot, you'll pass an open space with amazing wide open views to the south, including a beautifully framed shot of Rainier. As you near Union Peak, you'll notice an occasional old red blaze. The trail from Union to Jove is blazed well.

Jove is a popular peak for backcountry skiers. The winter approach is long, and while the slopes give access to tons of untouched powder, the southeastern slopes are avalanche prone and extremely dangerous. Cornices form on the northeast and southeast slopes.