[2] The mountain is situated immediately north of the entrance to Tidal Inlet, 80 mi (129 km) northwest of Juneau, and 3.5 mi (6 km) south of Mount Merriam, which is the nearest higher peak.

[1] Although modest in elevation, relief is significant as the mountain rises up from tidewater in less than two miles.

Weather permitting, Black Cap Mountain can be seen from Glacier Bay, which is a popular destination for cruise ships.

The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing the peak.

[4] Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Saint Elias Mountains (orographic lift), causing heavy precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall.