Peak 5390
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2009) |
| Peak 5390 | |
|---|---|
 Peak 5390 is farthest to the left |
|
| Elevation | 5,390 ft (1,643 m) |
| Location | |
| Location | Sitka City and Borough, Alaska, USA |
| Coordinates | 57°0′54.50″N 134°59′17.55″W / 57.015139°N 134.9882083°WCoordinates: 57°0′54.50″N 134°59′17.55″W / 57.015139°N 134.9882083°W |
| Topo map | USGS Sitka |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Scramble |
Peak 5390 is the highest peak on Baranof Island and the Alexander Archipelago which are located in southeast Alaska. Peak 5390 is an informal name, named after the peak's height in feet, but is unnamed by USGS maps. Peak 5390 ranks as the highest island-based peak in the U.S. outside of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska and volcanos on Hawai‘i and Maui islands.
Peak 5390 takes most backpackers one or two nights to approach due to its central location on Baranof Island. However, the final ascent is relatively short as the peak is a nunatak, with only the tip of the mountain poking out of the surrounding icefield. The route to Peak 5390 navigates ridges, a cul-de-sac glacier, a glacial headwall, a seasonal bergschrund, and a large icefield. Only experienced climbers should undertake a trip, and all should talk with someone who has ascended before.
On a clear day, the mainland, the Coast Mountains, and distinguished peaks such as Devils Thumb and other spires in the Stikine Icecap are visible from the summit. Conversely, Peak 5390 is clearly visible from the Baranof Cross-Island Trail with only the Baranof River valley separating the two.
