At the end of July, Rio and I spent two days completing the “Alpine Lakes Crest Traverse.” This route follows the crest of remote peaks between Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass and culminates on the summit of Mount Daniel, the highpoint of King County. I recorded 36 miles and 15k feet elevation gain, with 20 miles off trail.
Overall, I felt that while the views weren’t on the same level as in the North Cascades, it was an awesome way to experience this part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness which I’ve not spent much time in before, and a very fulfilling way to bag Mt. Daniel. Also, the old mines near Chain Lakes were super cool!
This will mostly be a photo gallery. For route information, Kyle McCrohan’s original trip report is spot-on.
A 3D view of the route. You might need to zoom in.
Day 1: Snoqualmie Pass to Williams Lake
The famous Kendall Katwalk section of the PCT
Marmot parent and child
Looking down Gold Creek towards Keechelus Lake and the I-90
Huckleberry Mountain above Joe Lake
Climber Rio finds an interesting crag near the PCT
4th class ledges on Chikamin. There was probably an easier way up.
The Lemahs, Chimney Rock, and Overcoat Peak
Rio below the Lemahs
Rio on the perfectly-placed photo boulder above Iceberg Lake
A higher view back towards Iceberg Lake, near Chimney-Overcoat col
Overcoat Peak
The unexpectedly big and flat Overcoat Glacier
Rio walking down the Overcoat Glacier. Some exposed, but easily avoidable blue ice is visible.
An alpine landscape beneath the Overcoat Glacier
A patchwork of tarns on the lower Overcoat Glacier
Looking back towards Chimney Rock and Overcoat
Me, doing some typical sidehilling towards Summit Chief Pass
In the so-called Valley of the Chief, Hinman in the background
The only bushwhacky section of the route, descending towards Williams Lake
What would be a peaceful campsite at Williams Lake, if not for...
Hordes of mosquitoes. The mosquito net came in clutch!
Day 2: Williams Lake to Cathedral Pass Trailhead
The Chain Lakes area is full of remnants of mining activity
A mixture of man-made and natural water holes
Granite boulders and slabs
Looking back down towards the Chain Lakes area
Hiking up Mount Hinman in blustery weather
Matching red windshirts!
At Pea Soup Lake
The active Lynch Glacier on Mount Daniel
Kicking steps up the Lynch
Looking back towards Pea Soup Lake and Dip Top Gap
The Alpine Lakes Crest, from the summit of Daniel
Hinman in the background
Summit selfie on Daniel
Circle Lake and the Citadel on the Daniel massif
Hiking down Mount Daniel, with Mount Stuart prominent in the background
