My upcoming guide,
Climbing Washington Summits, was originally
intended to include a variety of summit hikes and easy scrambles. However,
as the project progressed, it became apparent that to include most of the
outstanding peaks and popular scrambles and climbs in the Cascades and
Olympics, a majority of the easier scrambles and hikes would have to be
left out. As a compromise, several popular and recommended summit hikes
and easy scrambles from each region covered in the guide are listed below.
For most of these peaks, a trail leads all the way to the summit. In a few
cases, the trail's official end is short of the summit, but the summit is
an easy cross-country hike or straightforward non-technical scramble. A few
of the summits have more difficult scrambles not recommended for hikers.
Most are very short, but a few are very long. The descriptions are brief,
and there are no maps or topos except where noted. Most of these are good
conditioning hikes and scrambles; others make for good winter and spring
snow climbs. References to USGS or Green Trails maps, current guidebooks,
and links describing or depicting the route are included for each summit.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at most trailheads.
Church Mountain (6,315'/1925m). Church Mountain rises above the
Nooksack River valley NW of Mount Baker. A hiking trail leads to within
a short distance of its summit. Drive Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542)
to mile 38.7, just past Nooksack Campground, then follow FS Road 3040 some
3 miles to the trailhead. Hike Church Mountain Trail (FS Trail 671) 4.2
miles to trail's end, gaining 3,400 feet elevation. A brief ridge scramble
completes the ascent. Great views of Mount Baker and the border peaks.
USGS Bearpaw Mountain.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades (Molvar, Falcon 1998).
Yellow Aster Butte (6,145'/1873m). Yellow Aster Butte rises
just east of Tomyhoi Mountain. The summit is a brief ridge scramble
from either Gold Run Pass or Yellow Aster Lakes. Drive State Route
542 to Mile 46, then turn left up Twin Lakes Road, a gravel road that
leads 4.5 miles to the Gold Run Pass trailhead, then hike 2 miles up
Gold Run Pass Trail (FS Trail 688), and scramble up the east ridge
slopes to the summit, or take the Yellow Aster Lakes trail across the
south slope of Yellow Aster Butte to the lakes and scramble up the west
ridge slopes. Some cliffy scrambling along the crest between the summit
points. More great views of Mounts Baker and Shuksan and the border
peaks.
USGS Mount Shuksan.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades, Seattle P-I Getaways,
http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/getaways/hike/
(note that the trail has been rerouted east from Gold Run Pass, not
shown in current hiking guides).
Winchester Mountain (6,521'/1988m). Winchester Mountain is located
just north of Twin Lakes. A trail leads to this former lookout site, which
provides excellent views of the American Border Peaks, and Mounts Shuksan
and Baker. Drive Twin Lakes Road to Twin Lakes. The last section of the
road is rough, prompting many to park at the Gold Run Pass trailhead and
walk to the lakes. Those with four-wheel-drive may continue, with care,
to the lakes. From the lakes, hike FS Trail 685, staying left at the fork,
1.9 miles to Winchester Mountain summit.
USGS Mount Shuksan.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades.
Coleman Pinnacle (6,414'/1955m). Coleman Pinnacle is the high point of
Ptarmigan Ridge on the NE edge of Mount Baker. A popular hiking trail leads
closely below its summit. Drive Mount Baker Highway to its end, then hike the
Ptarmigan Ridge Trail (FS Trail 683) about 4.7 miles to a saddle just above
Camp Kiser, then scramble up the pinnacle. Class 2 or 3, with snow on the
trail much of the year. Ice ax recommended year round.
USGS Mount Baker.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades.
Park Butte (5,400'/1646m). Park Butte is a meadowy knoll located
south of Mount Baker, above Baker Pass and Morovitz Meadow. A popular hiking
trail leads to the summit lookout cabin. The approach is described in the
Mount Baker chapter, as for Easton Glacier. Hike Baker Pass Trail (FS Trail
603) about 3 miles to Morovitz Meadow, where a ¾ mile side trail leads up
to the lookout. Close views of Mount Baker.
USGS Mount Baker.
Reference: Guide to the Mount Baker Region (USFS).
Hannegan Peak (6,168'/1880m). Hannegan Peak is a rocky peak located
just north of Hannegan Pass. A boot path leads from the pass to the summit,
a flowery meadow hike in season, with terrific views of Mounts Baker and
Shuksan, Ruth Mountain, and the interior peaks of the North Cascades, as
well as the Hannegan Caldera, remnant of an old volcano. The approach to
Hannegan Pass is described in the Ruth Mountain chapter. The round trip
is about 10 miles.
USGS Mount Shuksan.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades.
Mount Watson (6,234'/1900m). Mount Watson lies across Baker Lake
to the south of Mounts Baker and Shuksan. A hiking trail leads to Anderson
and Watson Lakes, from where a Class 3 or 4 scrambling route reaches the
summit. Drive Baker Lake Road from near Concrete 14 miles to the Baker Dam
turnoff; follow the road across the dam and turn left on FS-1107, which
leads 9.2 miles to spur road 022; turn left and follow 1.2 miles to the
trailhead. Hike up Watson Lakes Trail (FS Trail 611) about 1.7 miles,
staying left at the fork, to the divide above Watson Lakes, then scramble
up to the northern ridge and continue to the summit. An alternate route
begins from Anderson Lakes and climbs snow and rock up the northern face.
Too much for hikers, but most scramblers and climbers have little trouble.
Hikers may hike up to the Anderson Butte viewpoint instead for equally
impressive views of Mounts Baker and Shuksan and nearby Bacon Peak.
USGS Bacon Peak.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades, Cascade Alpine Guide.
Sauk Mountain (5,537'/1688m). Sauk Mountain rises above the North
Cascades Highway just north of Rockport. A very popular hiking trail leads
to its summit. To get to the trailhead, follow FS Road 1030 about 8 uphill
miles from the North Cascades Highway just west of Rockport State Park.
Hike FS Trail 613 2.1 uphill miles to the summit. Expansive views of the
North Cascades.
USGS Sauk Mountain.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades; Seattle P-I Getaways,
http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/getaways/hike/.
Trappers Peak (5,964'/1818m). Trappers Peak is a minor summit located
above Thornton Lakes, just north of the North Cascades Highway east of
Marblemount. Thornton Lakes are the traditional approach route for Mount
Triumph. Trappers Peak lies just east of the lakes. Drive North Cascades
Highway to Thornton Creek Road, about 2.5 miles west of Newhalem, and follow
to the trailhead at road's end. Hike Thornton Lakes Trail about 4.7 miles to
the ridge saddle above the lakes, then follow a boot path leading rightward
(east) up the ridge to Trappers Peak. A rocky scramble completes the ascent.
Impressive views of Mounts Triumph, Terror, and the Pickets. Class 2 or 3.
USGS Mount Triumph.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades.
Ruby Mountain (7,408'/2258m). Ruby Mountain is a big mountain located
just south of Ross Lake, above the North Cascades Highway. Although a trail
leads to its summit, it is no mere hike; the 8-mile climb gains nearly
6,200 feet. Drive US-20 to the Thunder Arm Campground, then hike Thunder
Creek Trail south 2.5 miles to Fourth of July Pass Trail, then 2.5 miles
up that trail to the pass, from where a steep, abandoned trail leads
northward along the ridge another 3 miles (gaining over 4,000 feet) to
the summit. Exceptional views of the North Cascades and Ross Lake.
USGS Ross Dam.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades, Cascade Alpine Guide.
Sourdough Mountain (5,985'/1824m). Sourdough Mountain is a broad
mountain rising above Diablo Lake north of the North Cascades Highway. A
long, steep trail leads to its summit lookout. Drive North Cascades Highway
to the Diablo turnoff (not the dam turnoff, but the fork just before the
road crosses the Skagit River), then follow to the trailhead in the Diablo
townsite. The trail begins beside the pool. Hike up the Sourdough Mountain
Trail about 5 miles to the summit, gaining over 5,000 feet elevation. Panoramic
views of the Pickets and North Cascades. The old lookout site is 0.2 miles
beyond the true summit.
USGS Ross Dam.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades.
Desolation Peak (6,102'/1980m). Desolation Peak is a remote mountain,
located many miles up the eastern shore of Ross Lake. A hiking trail leads
to its summit lookout, made famous by author Jack Kerouac, who manned the
lookout during the late 1950s. Approach via North Cascades Highway and Ruby
Creek Trail, 19 miles east from Newhalem. Follow the East Bank Trail up Ross
Lake about 16 miles to Desolation Peak Trail junction, then 2.1 miles up the
lakeshore to the boat landing, and 4.7 miles of steep climbing to the lookout.
Some take a boat to the landing to save a lot of hiking; others savor the
solitude of many miles of lonely hiking up the lakeshore.
USGS Hozomeen Mountain.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades.
Lookout Mountain (5,719'/1743m). Lookout Mountain rises just north of
Cascade River Road east of Marblemount. A steep hiking trail leads to the
summit lookout. From Marblemount, follow Cascade River Road (FS-15) 9.1 miles
to the trailhead, on the left. Hike FS Trail 743 about 5 strenuous miles to
the lookout. Good views of the Cascade Pass peaks. A side trail at 2.8 miles
leads to Monogram Lake, from where a scrambling ascent of 6,984-foot
Little Devil Peak begins.
USGS Big Devil Peak.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades.
McGregor Mountain (8,122'/2476m). McGregor Mountain is a big mountain
rising north of Stehekin. A hiking trail leads to within a short distance of
its summit. A short scramble completes the ascent. Approach as you prefer to
Stehekin, either via the ferry or by hiking the PCT south from near Rainy
Pass, or over Cascade Pass. There is no easy way to get to the trailhead.
The trail leads from the Stehekin River Road near High Bridge Camp, behind
the old High Bridge guard station, and climbs past Coon Lake some 6.6 miles
to Heaton Camp, a long haul for those carrying overnight gear. From camp,
the trail continues to the summit. The old trail is sketchy in places,
crossing the top of the Sandlee Glacier, with exposed scrambling to the
summit. Painted arrows on rocks point the way to the summit, an old
lookout site.
USGS McGregor Mountain.
Reference: Hiking the North Cascades.
|
MONTE CRISTO/GLACIER PEAK AREA
|
Green Mountain (6,500'/1981m). Green Mountain is former lookout site
just north of Suiattle River Road east of Darrington. From Darrington, follow
State Route 530 about 8 miles to the Suiattle River Road (FS 26), then
follow that road east about 17 miles to Green Mountain Road (FS-2680. Follow
that road to the trailhead at road's end. Hike about 4 miles up the trail
(FS Trail 782) to the summit.
USGS Green Mountain.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Glacier Peak Area (Manning/Spring, Mountaineers Books).
Fire Mountain (6,591'/2009m). Fire Mountain is the high point at the
convergence of Lime Ridge and Meadow Mountain ridge, just NW of Glacier Peak.
It is a scenic summit, providing close views of Glacier Peak and other peaks
of the North Cascades. The easiest approach is via Kennedy Hot Springs Trail,
described in the Glacier Peak chapter. Hike that trail 1.5 miles to the Meadow
Mountain Trail junction, then follow Meadow Mountain Trail (FS Trail 657) up
Fire Creek to the SW slopes of Fire Mountain. A meadow and rock scramble lead
to the summit.
USGS Lime Mountain.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Glacier Peak Area, Cascade Alpine Guide.
White Mountain (7,030'/2143m). White Mountain is an old volcanic
remnant lying just south of Glacier Peak. The Pacific Crest Trail passes
close to its summit. Approach via Mountain Loop Highway and North Fork Sauk
River Road (FS-49) to Sauk River trailhead at Sloan Creek Campground. Hike
about 8.5 miles up FS Trail 649 to the PCT, then north to Red Pass or south
White Pass. From either pass, the summit is a short scree and meadow or snow
hike away. Unsurpassed views of Glacier Peak.
USGS Glacier Peak West.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Glacier Peak Area.
Dickerman Mountain (5,723'/1744m). Dickerman Mountain rises steeply above
the Mountain Loop Road just west of Barlow Pass. A strenuous hiking trail leads to
the summit. Drive Mountain Loop Road to the trailhead, then hike FS Trail 710 about
4.2 miles to the summit.
USGS Bedal.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Glacier Peak Area.
Mount Sawyer (5,501'/1677m). Mount Sawyer is a minor summit of Tonga Ridge,
located just south of Stevens Pass Highway east of Skykomish. A very popular hiking
trail leads to its summit. Drive Stevens Pass Highway to Foss River Road (FS Road 68),
about 0.5 miles east of the ranger station. Follow 3.5 miles to the FS-6830 fork,
then take that road about 5.5 miles, to where signs point up FS Road 310, on the right.
Follow FS 310 1.4 miles to its end, at the Tonga Ridge Trailhead. Hike Tonga Ridge
Trail (FS Trail 1058) to an unsigned trail junction, just past a meadow basin.
Take the uphill trail to the summit. Great views of Mounts Daniel and Hinman,
and Mount Fernow.
USGS Scenic.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Alpine Lakes (Manning/Spring, The Mountaineers).
Surprise Mountain (6,380'/1945m). Surprise Mountain rises above Surprise,
Glacier, and Deception Lakes on the crest dividing Surprise and Deception Creeks. The
Pacific Crest Trail passes close below its summit. From Scenic, just west of Stevens
Pass, hike Surprise Creek Trail (FS Trail 1060) 4.4 miles to Glacier Lake and join the
PCT, then continue past Glacier Lake to Surprise Gap, then scramble up to the summit.
USGS Scenic.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Alpine Lakes.
Rock Mountain (6,852'/2088m). Rock Mountain is the westernmost summit of
Nason Ridge. A steep hiking trail leads to its summit directly from Stevens Pass
Highway, about 8.8 miles east of Stevens Pass. This is a good early season
conditioning climb, with snow much of the way to the summit until late summer.
The approach is described in the Mount Howard chapter.
USGS Mount Howard.
Reference: Climbing Washington Summits, Seattle P-I Getaways,
http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/getaways/hike/.
Poet Peaks (6,577'/2005m). The Poet Peaks comprise a ridge of summits
just south of Glacier Peak, including 6,015-foot Poe Mountain, 6,577-foot Longfellow
Mountain, and 6,401-foot Bryant Peak, as well as 7,281 Whittier Peak, and 5,862-foot
Irving Peak. The first three listed above may be reached via an abandoned trail from
FS Road 65, east of Lake Wenatchee. One may approach from Lake Wenatchee, or via FS-67
from US-2 east of Stevens Pass. A 3-mile trail leads from road's end to Poe Mountain
via FS Trail 1520. From there, a boot path leads along the ridge to Longfellow and
Bryant, and on to the PCT, from where 6,121-foot Kodak Peak is easily climbed. One
may loop back via FS Trail 1524 (Little Wenatchee River) or 1532 (Cady Ridge) to
the trailhead. The other Poet Peaks require off-trail hiking and scrambling.
USGS Poe Mountain.
Reference: Cascade Alpine Guide; Seattle P-I Getaways,
http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/getaways/hike/.
Kodak Peak (6,121'/1866m). Kodak Peak lies at the head of Little
Wenatchee River, and is easily reached via Little Wenatchee River Trail
(FS Trail 1524) from the end of FS Road 65 east of Lake Wenatchee. Hike
the trail 7.3 miles from road's end to Sauk Pass, then scramble up easy
meadow slopes to the summit. The peak was named in honor of the rolls of
film spent there; a most scenic summit indeed.
Green Trails 144 (Benchmark Mountain).
Reference: 100 Hikes/Glacier Peak Area.
Mount David (7,431'/2265m). Mount David is a former lookout site located
NW of Lake Wenatchee, above White River. An abandoned hiking trail leads to this
summit. From Lake Wenatchee, drive White River Road (FS-64) to road's end (as
described in the Clark Mountain chapter). The Mount David Trail (FS Trail 1521)
leads one mile downriver, then climbs 6.5 miles to the incredibly flat summit.
The trail is more of a scramble than a hike. The lookout cabin is gone, but
splendid views remain, especially of Clark Mountain and Glacier Peak.
USGS Mount David.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Glacier Peak Area.
Pyramid Peak (8,245'/2513m). Pyramid Peak is one of the Chelan Mountains,
located west of Lake Chelan. It is one of the highest peaks in Washington
State with a summit trail. From US-97 Alt. at Entiat, drive up Entiat River
Road (FS-51) to the FS 5606 junction, just before North Fork Campground, then
follow that road to the Pyramid Creek trailhead. Hike Pyramid Creek Trail
(FS Trail 1439) 4 miles to Pyramid Peak Trail junction, then follow that trail
another 4 miles to the summit. Magnificent views of Glacier Peak and east across
Lake Chelan.
USGS Pyramid Mountain.
Reference: Cascade Alpine Guide.
Carne Mountain (7,085'/2160m). Carne Mountain is a minor summit of the
Entiat Mountains, located just south of Mount Maude. It is reached via a 3-mile
hike and short scramble from Phelps Creek trailhead, as described in the Mount
Maude chapter of Climbing Washington Summits.
USGS Trinity.
Little Annapurna (8,400'/2560m). Little Annapurna is one of the highest
and most recognizable of the Enchantment Lakes summits, with its gentle,
plateau-like northern slopes abruptly falling away to the east in a rocky
precipice punctuated by sharp spires and jagged ridges. It is also one of the
easiest to climb, via its gentle northern slopes, providing a supreme view of
the Enchantment Peaks and Lakes. Approach via Snow Lakes Trail or Colchuck
Lake and Aasgard Pass, as described in the Dragontail Peak chapter. Hike
across the Enchantment Lakes basin to a cluster of tarns just east of
Brynhyld Lake (Isolation Lake on topo maps), then ascend easy rock and
snow slopes to the summit. The most direct route climbs a lobe of the
stagnant Snow Creek Glacier, but many variations are possible. Magnificent
views of the Enchantment Lakes and south to Mount Rainier.
Green Trails 209S (The Enchantments).
Reference: Cascade Alpine Guide.
Bootjack Mountain (6,789'/2069m). Bootjack Mountain is the northernmost
summit of Blackjack Ridge, a minor crest dividing Jack Creek and Black Pine
Creek, just south of Blackpine Creek Horse Camp at the upper end of Icicle
River Road. From Leavenworth, follow Icicle River Road (FS-76) to the
Blackjack Ridge trailhead (FS Trail 1565) and hike about 4 miles, gaining
over 3,800 feet elevation, to the summit, which provides great views of
Icicle Ridge, Cashmere Mountain and Mount Stuart.
USGS Jack Ridge.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Alpine Lakes.
Highchair Mountain (7,106'/2166m). Highchair Mountain is the high point
of Blackjack Ridge, and the culmination of Blackjack and Sixtysix Hundred Ridges.
Approach via FS Trail 1565 as for Bootjack Mountain, but continue 1.8 miles
beyond that peak into a broad basin just east of the summit, then hike and
scramble to the summit, which offers slightly better views than Bootjack
Mountain. The approach can also be made via Jack Creek and Cradle Lake Trails.
A bit of Class 2 scrambling.
USGS Jack Ridge.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Alpine Lakes Area.
Cape Horn (7,316'/2230m). Cape Horn is a small summit just east of
Ladies Pass, at the west end of Icicle Ridge. It is easily ascended from
Icicle Ridge Trail (FS Trail 1570). The shortest approach is via Chatter
Creek Trail (FS Trail 1580) from Chatter Creek Campground, way up Icicle
River Road (FS 76) from Leavenworth. Hike 5 miles up the trail, gaining
about 3,600 feet to Icicle Ridge Trail (use the hiker-only bypass trail to
save 0.3 miles), then take a left and hike 0.3 miles to Lake Edna.
Continue about 0.2 miles beyond the lake, climbing to a saddle in the
ridge, then leave the trail and scramble to the summit. A bit of Class 2
scrambling required to reach the summit. Excellent views of the Stuart
Range and Icicle Creek Canyon.
USGS Chiwaukum Mountains.
Grindstone Mountain (7,533'/2296m). Grindstone Mountain a popular
Icicle Ridge scramble. Approach via Chatter Creek Trail (FS Trail 1580) as
described for Cape Horn, above, but only hike 4 miles to the first saddle
on Icicle Ridge, at the head of Chatter Creek Basin, then leave the trail
and scramble up to a saddle on the north (right) end of the ridge, then
around to the NW slope and up to the summit. Some rocky Class 2-3 scrambling.
USGS Chiwaukum Mountains.
Koppen Mountain (6,031'/1838m). Koppen Mountain is located just SW
of Ingalls Peak, above De Roux Creek near the end of Teanaway River Road.
Approach as for Ingalls Peak to the Ingalls Lake trailhead, then hike up
De Roux Creek Trail (FS Trail 1392) about 1.5 miles to a junction, then
take the trail leading up to the ridge crest and 1.2 miles south to the
summit.
USGS Mount Stuart.
Navaho Peak (7,223'/2202m). Navaho Peak is one of the high peaks
lying on the Ingalls-Teanaway Divide. Approach as for Ingalls Peak up
Teanaway River Road to 29 Pines Campground, then continue another 1.5
miles to a fork. Take the right fork and follow FS Road 9703 another 2.5
miles to Stafford Creek trailhead. Hike Stafford Creek Trail (FS Trail 1359)
4.0 miles to its junction with Standup Creek Trail 1369. Continue another 0.5
miles to the Stafford-Cascade Divide and a junction with the County Line
Trail (FS Trail 1216). Follow that trail eastward along the crest about
0.5 miles, then follow a boot path up the east ridge to the summit. Great
views of the Stuart Range.
USGS Enchantment Lakes.
Reference: Seattle P-I Getaways,
http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/getaways/hike/
(Stafford Creek Trail).
Earl Peak (7,036'/2145m). Earl Peak is another high summit on the
Ingalls-Teanaway Divide. The approach is via Bean Creek Trail to its high point at a saddle on the Bean-Standup divide, then up a climbers' trail to the summit.
USGS Enchantment Lakes.
Reference: Seattle P-I Getaways,
http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/getaways/hike/
(Standup Creek Trail).
Miller Peak (6,460'/1969m). Miller Peak is located at the head of
Miller Creek, east of Teanaway River Road. Approach as for Stafford Creek
Trail but continue 2 miles past that trailhead to Miller Peak trailhead at
road's end. The trail (FS Trail 1379) leads 4 miles to the summit.
USGS Blewett.
Reference: Hiking Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness; 100
Hikes/Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Bare Mountain (5,353'/1631m). Bare Mountain is a minor peak at the western
edge of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, located about 15 miles north of North Bend.
A trail reaches its summit, the site of a former fire lookout. To get there,
drive I-90 to North Bend, take Exit 31 and head north on Bendigo Blvd. South,
past the outlet mall and across the railroad tracks to SE North Bend Way, the
main drag through town. Turn right at the signal and go two blocks east, then
turn left on Ballarat Avenue. Follow Ballarat northward; it soon curves
westward and becomes 428th Avenue SE, which meanders through horse and cow
pastures across the river from the rocky buttress of Mount Si. Just over 4
miles from town the road forks. Take the left fork, which goes steeply uphill
and passes a gate just after the pavement ends. Follow the gravel logging road
15.4 bumpy miles from the gate to a fork. Turn left and cross Lennox Creek,
then take the first right on FS Road 57 and continue 3.2 miles to the trailhead,
on the left. Hike 5.0 miles up the trail (FS Trail 1037), which includes steep
switchbacks on an open, south-facing slope. A delightful, flowery high ridge
traverse leads the final 0.5 miles to the summit.
USGS Mount Phelps.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Alpine Lakes.
Dog Mountain (5,402'/1646m). Dog Mountain is a small, relatively
unknown peak lying on the crest dividing the North Fork Snoqualmie and Taylor
Rivers, about 15 miles north of North Bend. A trail approaches to within a short
distance of its summit. Approach as for Bare Mountain, above, but continue past
that trailhead about 2 miles to the Lennox Creek Trail (FS Trail 1001). Hike up
that trail about 2 miles to where it curves around a ridge and traverses a
broad, meadow basin above Lennox Falls. Leave the trail and hike up the ridge
to the summit.
USGS Mount Phelps.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Alpine Lakes.
Little Si (1,579'/481m). Little Si is a small, inconspicuous peak
lying at the foot of Mount Si, just across the river from North Bend. It
is reached via a popular 2.5 mile hiking trail. Approach as for Mount Si
to the Snoqualmie River bridge, then take a left onto 434th Avenue SE.
Park in the small parking lot on the northwest side of the bridge and walk
down 434th about 0.5 miles to the trailhead proper. This is a private
road, so mind your manners, and do not park on the road. Hike up the
trail and take the first left fork, then continue leftward and up into a
canyon, then up the far ridge to the rocky summit. Great views of North
Bend and Snoqualmie River Valley.
Reference: Rock Climbing Washington.
Mount Washington (4,400'/1341m). Mount Washington is a nondescript
summit located just east of North Bend, south of Interstate 90. It is a fairly
logged-over peak, with an unmarked hiking trail leading up old logging roads
to the summit. It is a moderately popular winter climb. Take Exit 38 off of
I-90 and turn up the road to the Iron Horse trailhead. Hike up to the Iron
Horse Trail and briefly west to the Mount Washington Trail, which leads
steeply up. Rock climbers know the way, as the trail passes several
popular crags.
USGS Chester Morse Lake.
Reference: Rock Climbing Washington.
Mount Defiance (5,519'/1682m). Mount Defiance is a relatively minor
peak rising above the South Fork Snoqualmie River Valley, about 7 miles west of
Snoqualmie Pass. A hiking trail leads to within a few hundred feet of its summit.
To get there, drive I-90 to Bandera Exit 45, turn north and follow FS Road 9031
to the trailhead at road's end. Hike up Mason Lake Trail about 0.2 miles past
Mason Lake to its junction with Mount Defiance Trail, then take a left and climb
the wooded ridge to the upper slopes of Mount Defiance. Cross the open slopes
to the far west side, where a climbers' trail leads up the ridge to the rocky
summit.
USGS Bandera.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Alpine Lakes.
Silver Peak (5,605'/1708m). Silver Peak is an attractive but
logging-ravaged peak located just south of Snoqualmie Pass. The ascent
is easily made via talus slopes from the PCT just east of the summit.
The shortest approach is via FS Road 9070 from the Hyak Exit 54. A
scramble up Tinkham and Abiel Peaks is also possible in conjunction
with Silver Peak.
USGS Snoqualmie Pass.
Reference: Seattle P-I Getaways,
http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/getaways/hike/
(Cold Creek Loop).
Mount Margaret (5,580'/1701m). Mount Margaret is located just east of
Snoqualmie Pass, above Keechelus Lake north of I-90. Drive I-90 to the Crystal
Springs Exit 62, about 9 miles east of Snoqualmie Pass. Drive north on Lake
Kachess Road briefly to Swamp Lake, then turn left on FS-4832 and continue
almost 9 miles to Resort Creek Pond. Signs point to the trailhead. Take a right
at the first fork, 0.3 miles past the pond, then continue 0.4 miles up a
switchback to a second fork marked FS-4930. Take the first left up a spur
road just past 0.1 miles, a second left 0.3 miles beyond that, and a right
in another 0.1 miles and follow shortly to the trailhead. Hike up about 2 miles
to a side trail that leads to the summit.
USGS Chikamin Peak.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Alpine Lakes.
Red Mountain (5,722'/1744m). Red Mountain is a conspicuous peak rising
at the north end of Cle Elum Lake. It, like other peaks with the same name, is
named for its rusty red coloring. It is easily ascended via a trail leading 3.1
miles up from Cooper River Road (FS Road 46), just west of the Cle Elum
Lake junction.
USGS Polallie Ridge.
Reference: Seattle P-I Getaways,
http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/getaways/hike/.
Davis Peak (6,490'/1978m). Davis Peak is a rocky peak rising at the
southern end of the Goat Mountain massif, a subrange of craggy peaks rising
to the west above Cle Elum River. Davis Peak is the site of a former fire
lookout, and like all lookout sites provides panoramic views of the surrounding
wilderness landscape. This hike begins from Cle Elum River Road (FS Road 4330).
To get there, drive I-90 to Exit 80, marked Roslyn and Salmon La Sac.
From the exit, drive north 2.8 miles to the State Route 903 junction.
Turn left and follow SR 903 16.5 miles to pavement's end. The road forks
here; take the right fork and continue another 1.6 miles, across Paris Creek,
to the Davis Peak trailhead, on the left. Hike down briefly, across the river,
then up and up, with countless switchbacks leading 5.4 miles to the summit.
Actually, the trail reaches the false summit; the true summit is 0.5 miles to
the northwest, reached via a boot path along the connecting ridge. Wildflowers
and views aplenty.
USGS Davis Peak.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Alpine Lakes.
Jolly Mountain (6,443'/1964m). Jolly Mountain is a high summit located
on the Cle Elum-Teanaway divide SW of Ingalls Peak. A 6-mile trail leads to its
summit from Salmon La Sac. Approach as for Davis Peak to the trailhead. Jolly
Mountain Trail (FS Trail 1307) leads up Salmon La Sac Creek, then takes a
right, left, left, and right at respective trail junctions to reach the
summit (bring a map!). Great views of Mount Stuart.
USGS Davis Peak.
Reference: 100 Hikes/Alpine Lakes.
|
MOUNT RAINIER AND SOUTH CASCADES
|
Mount Wow (6,030'/1838m). Mount Wow is a broad mountain occupying much
of the southwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park. From the Nisqually
Entrance, drive up the Paradise Highway 1.0 miles to Westside Road, then up
Westside Road to Allen Creek. Ascend a steep, unmarked fishermens' trail to
Lake Allen, then continue up easy slopes to the summit ridge, from where
easy ridge hiking leads to the summit. The final summit climb involves
some Class 2 scrambling.
USGS Mount Wow; Green Trails 269 (Mount Rainier West).
Reference: Adventure Guide to Mount Rainier (Falcon).
Goblers Knob (5,485'/1672m). Goblers Knob is a rock peak just north of
Mount Wow, on the west boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. A popular
trail leads 1.5 miles from Westside Road to the summit lookout. If Westside
Road is gated, a longer hike or bike ride up the road to the trailhead is
required.
USGS Mount Wow.
Reference: Adventure Guide to Mount Rainier; Hiking Mount Rainier
National Park (Falcon).
Eagle Peak (5,958'/1816m). Eagle Peak is the "small" mountain
lying at the western end of the Tatoosh Range. Although it is not a high
peak compared to surrounding peaks, it rises with pronounced relief from
the Nisqually River valley, offering a commanding view of the southwest
flank of Mount Rainier. A hiking trail starting just south of Longmire
leads to a saddle only a few hundred feet below the summit. From the
saddle, traverse the ridge northward about 100 meters to a rock step.
Angle left and down to an obvious gully/ramp, and scramble up to the final
rocky ridge, which leads a short distance to the summit.
USGS Wahpenayo Peak.
Reference: Adventure Guide to Mount Rainier; Hiking Mount Rainier
National Park.
Plummer Peak (6,370'/1942m). Plummer Peak is located just
south of Pinnacle Peak. It is an easier climb than Pinnacle Peak, with
equally good views. Hike to Pinnacle Saddle, then follow the boot path
southward up the ridge.
Green Trails 207S (Paradise).
Reference: Climbing Washington Summits.
Shriner Peak (5,384'/1641m). Shriner Peak is located in the eastern
section of Mount Rainier National Park. A popular hiking trail leads 4 miles
from State Route 123 to the summit lookout.
USGS Chinook Pass.
Reference: Adventure Guide to Mount Rainier; Hiking Mount
Rainier National Park.
Naches Peak (6,452'/1967m). Naches Peak rises just south of Chinook
Pass, on the eastern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. A popular hiking
trail encircles the mountain. The summit is an easy meadow ridge hike from
Chinook Pass on State Route 410.
USGS Chinook Pass.
Reference: Cascade Alpine Guide.
Yakima Peak (6,226'/1898m). Yakima Peak rises just north of Chinook
Pass, directly opposite from Naches Peak. The summit is an easy meadow slope
hike from Chinook Pass.
USGS Chinook Pass.
Reference: Cascade Alpine Guide.
Crystal Peak (6,595'/2010m). Crystal Peak is a rocky peak located
in the NE corner of Mount Rainier National Park. A 3.5 mile hiking trail leads
from State Route 410 to its summit, which overlooks Crystal Lakes.
USGS White River Park; Green Trails 270 (Mount Rainier East).
Reference: Adventure Guide to Mount Rainier; Hiking Mount Rainier National Park.
Dege Peak (7,006'/2135m). Dege Peak is a small peak at the east
end of the Sourdough Mountains, a high ridge rising above Yakima Park,
a high meadow in Mount Rainier National Park. A 1.0 mile trail leads to
the summit. The hike begins at Sunrise Point on Sunrise Road. A longer
hike begins from Sunrise visitor center. Excellent views of Mount Rainier
and surrounding parkland.
USGS White River Park; Green Trails 270 (Mount Rainier East).
Reference: Adventure Guide to Mount Rainier; Hiking Mount Rainier
National Park; 12 Short Hikes/Sunrise.
Mount Fremont (7,230'/2004m). Mount Fremont is a gentle peak located
just NW of Sunrise. A popular 3 mile hiking trail leads to a lookout on its
westernmost summit. The true summit is a rocky point just east of the
lookout. Magnificent views of Mount Rainier and the northern parkland of
Mount Rainier National Park.
USGS Sunrise.
Reference: Adventure Guide to Mount Rainier; Hiking Mount
Rainier National Park; 12 Short Hikes/Sunrise.
Skyscraper Peak (7,065'/2153m). Skyscraper Peak is a craggy peak
located just west of Mount Fremont, about 4 miles west of Sunrise via the
Wonderland Trail. It is a straightforward ridge scramble from Skyscraper
Pass on the Wonderland Trail.
USGS Sunrise; Green Trails 270 (Mount Rainier East).
Reference: Adventure Guide to Mount Rainier; Hiking Mount Rainier National Park.
Burroughs Mountain (7,830'/2387m). Burroughs Mountain is a high
mountain on the ridge dividing Glacier Basin and Winthrop Glacier. It
provides a breathtaking viewpoint for the glaciers and north face of
Mount Rainier. A popular hiking trail leads from Sunrise to within a short
distance of its summit. A boot path continues to the summit. This is
fragile terrain; the Park Service prefers that hikers stay on the trail,
or snow in early season, to avoid adverse impacts.
USGS Sunrise; Green Trails 270 (Mount Rainier East).
Reference: Adventure Guide to Mount Rainier; Hiking Mount Rainier National Park.
Mount Pleasant (6,453'/1967m). Mount Pleasant is a minor peak
located on the ridge north of Spray Park in the NW corner of Mount Rainier
National Park. A 3.5 mile hike from Mowich Lake via the Wonderland Trail
leads to Spray Park, from where cross-country meadow hiking to the NE
gains the east ridge of Mount Pleasant. An easy ridge hike gains the summit.
USGS Mowich Lake.
Reference: Climbing Washington Summits.
Tolmie Peak (5,920 feet/1805 meters). Tolmie Peak is a small peak in
the NW corner of Mount Rainier National Park. A popular 3.5 mile hiking trail
leads from Mowich Lake to a lookout high on its summit ridge. The true summit
is 200 meters east along the ridge from the lookout. Exposed but easy ridge
hiking and scrambling.
Green Trails 269 (Mount Rainier West).
Reference: Adventure Guide to Mount Rainier; Hiking Mount Rainier National Park.
Florence Peak (5,501'/1677m). Florence Peak is a rocky peak in the
extreme NW corner of Mount Rainier National Park, directly above the Carbon
River entry station. Hike the abandoned Westside Trail to a saddle directly
west of Florence Peak, then hike the ridge eastward to the summit. A Class
2-3 rock scramble gains the summit.
USGS Mowich Lake; Green Trails 269 (Mount Rainier West).
Reference: Adventure Guide to Mount Rainier.
Mount Aix (7,766'/2367m). Mount Aix is the highest summit in
William O. Douglas Wilderness, which borders Mount Rainier National
Park on the east. A 7-mile trail leads to its summit from FS Road 162
on the east shore of Bumping Lake. Hike up the trail to Nelson Ridge,
then up a spur trail to the summit. Great views.
USGS Bumping Lake; Green Trails 271 (Bumping Lake).
Reference: Seattle P-I Getaways,
http://www.seattlep-i.com/nwsource/getaways/hike/.
High Rock (5,685'/1733m). High Rock is a rock peak located
just south of Mount Rainier National Park. A popular trail leads to
a summit lookout. Drive State Route 7 to Elbe then continue east on
SR-706 to Ashford. Just past Ashford, turn south on Skate Creek
Road (FS Road 52), then follow south then east to the FS-84 turnoff.
Follow FS-84 south to the FR-8440 fork, then turn right and follow
that road to Towhead Gap. The trail begins here, and leads 1.5 miles
to the summit. Great views of Mount Rainier.
USGS Wahpenayo Peak; Green Trails 301 (Randle).
Council Bluff (5,180'/1579m). Council Bluff is a minor summit
located just NW of Mount Adams, above Council Lake. It is a scenic
viewpoint, providing a good view of Mount Adams and the Adams Glacier.
Drive FS Road 23 to the Council Lake turnoff, FS-2334, several miles
north of Trout Lake. From the lake, hike up an abandoned logging road,
then up a trail to the summit.
Green Trails 334 (Blue Lake).
Reference: Best Short Hikes/South Cascades.
Mount Margaret (5,858'/1785m). Mount Margaret is a small peak
located just north of Mount St. Helens. A long, popular hiking trail
leads to its summit. Drive FS Road 25 south from Randle into Mount St.
Helens National Volcanic Monument (fee area), then follow FS-99 to
the FS-26 junction near Meta Lake. Turn north to the Norway Pass trailhead.
Hike that trail west about 8 miles to the summit.
USGS Spirit Lake West and East; Green Trails 272 (Old Scab Mountain).
Reference: Hiking Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument (Falcon).
Silver Star Mountain (4,390'/1338m). Silver Star Mountain is a
small, craggy peak located south of Mount St. Helens. A 1.2 mile trail
leads to its summit, a former lookout site. Drive to Moulton, a small
town south of Amboy, via SR-503 and County Road 12. Follow the county
road east to Sunset Falls, then turn right on FS Road 41, and right
again on FR-4109. Follow that road to its end, then hike up the trail
to the summit, first on an abandoned road, then up a rocky trail.
Green Trails 396 (Lookout Mountain).
Reference: Best Short Hikes/South Cascades.
Mount Rose (4,301'/1311m). Mount Rose is a minor summit located
above Lake Cushman, within Mount Skokomish Wilderness. A 2.9-mile hiking
trail leads to its summit. Follow Lake Cushman Road (FS 44) to the FS-24
junction, then follow FS-24 some 2.7 miles west to Cushman Falls and the
Mount Rose trailhead. Hike up Mount Rose Trail (FS Trail 814), which
leads steeply up 1.8 miles to a fork; stay left and follow another 1.1
miles to the summit. A way trail leads down the ridge crest, allowing
a loop option.
USGS Mount Skokomish.
Reference: Hiking Olympic National Park.
Mount Ellinor (5,944'/1812m). Mount Ellinor is the southernmost
of the eastern Olympic Mountains. It is a small peak, little more than a
satellite of its higher neighbor, Mount Washington. Hikers routinely climb
the mountain despite the lack of a true summit trail. Follow the directions
in the Mount Washington chapter to the Mount Ellinor trailhead. Hike the
trail 1.5 miles up the ridge, then scramble up a gully to the summit
ridge and up to the summit.
USGS Mount Skokomish.
Reference: Hiking Olympic National Park.
Mount Jupiter (5,701'/1738m). Mount Jupiter is an inconspicuous but
important peak located just NE of The Brothers. A hiking trail leads 7.1 miles
to its summit. Drive US Highway 101 to Mount Jupiter Road, about 3.5 miles
north of Brinnon (at mile 309.5). Follow Mount Jupiter Road, staying on the
widest road and ignoring confusing forks, then left at a fork farther along
to the trailhead at road's end, 6 miles from the highway. The trail leads
up along the ridge crest to the summit. Good views, including The Brothers
and Mount Constance, and east across Puget Sound.
Green Trails 168 (The Brothers).
Reference: Hiking Olympic National Park.
Buckhorn Mountain (6,988'/2130m). Buckhorn Mountain is a minor peak
of the eastern Olympic Mountains. Its east peak is a simple scramble from
Marmot Pass. Drive US 101 to Big Quilcene River Road (FS Road 27), about
2 miles south of the town of Quilcene. Follow FS Road 27 about 7.1 miles,
then take FS Road 2750 down across the river and up about 4.8 miles to
the trailhead at the Big Quilcene River crossing, just outside the park
boundary. Hike up the Big Quilcene River about 5.5 miles to Marmot Pass.
From the pass, leave the trail and hike cross-country up the gentle
southwest ridge of Buckhorn Mountain. Easy scrambling leads to the summit.
Reference: Hiking Olympic National Park.
Mount Townsend (6,280'/1914m). Mount Townsend is a relatively
minor but reginonally important peak located in the NE corner of the
Olympic Mountains. A 4-mile hiking trail leads to its summit. Drive
US-101 to Penny Creek Road, just south of Quilcene. Follow this road
(becomes FS Road 27) 14.3 miles to a sign marking Mount Townsend Trail.
Ignore this road. Instead, keep going straight, and turn left on the
next road, 0.7 miles beyond the sign, and follow it 1.3 miles to the
upper trailhead. Hike up the trail 3 miles to the junction with Silver
Lakes Trail, then turn right and follow the trail another mile to a spur
path that leads 0.5 miles to the summit, a former lookout site, which
provides excellent views of the interior peaks.
Green Trails 136 (Tyler Peak).
Reference: Hiking Olympic National Park.
Hurricane Hill (5,757'/1755m). Hurricane Hill is a high ridge point
at the east end of Hurricane Ridge. A very popular 1.5 mile trail leads to
its summit. Drive from Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge, then follow the
road past the visitor center to the Hurricane Hill trailhead parking area.
The trail is flat and easy at first, then steepens as it climbs to the
summit, a supreme viewpoint. This trail is the usual approach for scrambling
ascents of Unicorn and Griff Peaks, the rocky summits visible east of
Mount Angeles.
USGS Hurricane Hill.
Reference: Hiking Olympic National Park.
Steeple Rock (5,567'/1697m). Steeple Rock is a rocky peak on Hurricane
Ridge, just west of the visitor center. A rocky scramble leads up from the
Obstruction Point road to the summit. Drive to Hurricane Ridge, then turn
left and follow the unpaved Obstruction Point Road eastward along the ridge
to the base of the peak, then scramble up the slope and western ridge to
the summit. Class 2-3 if you pick the easiest route, harder if you stray
onto cliffy terrain.
USGS Mount Angeles.
Eagle Point (6,247'/1904m). Eagle Point is another rocky peak on
Hurricane Ridge, just east of Steeple Rock. It, too, is reached via a
scramble from the Waterhole Picnic Area on Obstruction Point Road,
although this scramble is not as rocky or exposed as Steeple Rock.
USGS Mount Angeles.
Obstruction Peak (6,450'/1966m). Obstruction Peak is located at the
eastern end of Hurricane Ridge. At 6,450 feet elevation, it nearly rivals
Mount Angeles as the highest summit of Hurricane Ridge. It is easily
ascended from the Obstruction Point-Deer Park Trail leading NE from the
end of Obstruction Point Road, or via a direct cross-country hike and
scramble from the road.
USGS Maiden Peak.
Reference: Hiking Olympic National Park.
Mount Storm King (4,534'/1382m). Mount Storm King a minor peak
located above the east end of Lake Crescent, just west of Port Angeles
on US Highway 101. Drive US-101 to the Storm King Ranger Station. Hike
up the trail across the highway toward Marymere Falls, then fork off
left and hike up the steep Mount Storm King Trail. The last part of the
trail is abandoned, but can be followed to the summit by experienced
scramblers. The summit climb is too rocky and exposed for hikers.
USGS Lake Sutherland.
Reference: Hiking Olympic National Park.
back to features
