The mountain is situated 19 miles (31 km) northwest of Mazama on the boundary line of the Pasayten Wilderness, on land managed by the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest.

[6] July through October are the best months to visit in terms of favorable weather and the Forest Service access road being open for the season,[5] however, smoke from distant wildfires may potentially reduce visibility, and smoky summer conditions have been increasing with climate change.

Geological events occurring many years ago created the diverse topography and drastic elevation changes over the Cascade Range leading to the various climate differences.

[8] During the Pleistocene period dating back over two million years ago, glaciation advancing and retreating repeatedly scoured the landscape leaving deposits of rock debris.

Uplift and faulting in combination with glaciation have been the dominant processes which have created the tall peaks and deep valleys of the North Cascades area.