Although modest in elevation, relief is significant as it rises over 5,000 feet (1,500 m) in less than one mile from the immense Childs Glacier.

The peak was named in 1910 by Lawrence Martin for Alfred Williams, assistant engineer for the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, which built a $1,500,000 steel bridge across the Copper River near this mountain in 1909-1910.

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Williams is located in a subpolar oceanic climate zone, with long, cold, snowy winters, and cool summers.

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

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