Although modest in elevation, relief is significant since Mount Harding rises 5,300 feet above Taiya Inlet in less than 2 mi (3 km).

Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains east into Taiya Inlet, and west into Ferebee River.

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

This climate supports a glacier south of the summit, and a smaller one on the northwest slope.

[2] The months May through July offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing Mount Harding.