10. Barrier Peak, 6521' (S)

Barrier Peak is a moderate scramble. It can be approached from two trailheads. Both approaches are of similar difficulty. The origin of Barrier Peak’s name is not certain. The name possibly derives from the mountain’s position as a prominent barrier between the Cayuse Pass region and the western part of the park.

_________________________________ 

Driving

Barrier Peak can be can be approached from two trailheads. The more common (and easier) route is via the Owyhigh Lakes trailhead. 

Owyhigh Lakes trailhead: Drive SR 410 4.5 miles south of the Crystal Mountain ski area turnoff and turn right on Sunrise Park Road. Drive 3.4 miles to the Owyhigh Lakes trailhead. Park on the right side of the road.

Deer Creek trailhead: Drive SR 410 south to Cayuse Pass and continue south on SR 123. About 5 miles past Cayuse Pass, come to the Deer Creek trailhead (elevation 3230'). Park entrance fee not required.

Routes

Owyhigh Lakes trailhead: From the Owyhigh Lakes trailhead travel 3.5 miles until 5315', and leave trail with a bearing of 150 degrees. At 5900', change bearing to 93 and head toward the peak.

Deer Creek trailhead: From the Deer Creek trailhead follow the trail to a junction with the Owyhigh Lakes Trail. Go left and switchback until 4690'. Leave the trail and climb the steep hillside with bearing of 42 degrees, until 5540'. On reaching the saddle, go left (bearing 312) and follow the ridge to the summit.

Comments

There may be some rockfall on the Owyhigh Lakes trailhead route near the summit; a helmet will be useful.

Barrier can be done as an in or out trip or as a traverse (with the opportunity to also climb Buell), with cars parked at each trailhead. Barrier Peak may be combined with Buell by traversing the ridge between the two. If climbing Buell first (see Buell route) and then Barrier and returning to the saddle between the two, resist the temptation to drop off the Barrier-Buell ridge early to intercept the Deer Creek trail further west as it cliffs out. Go back to the saddle and back down the way you came up. (Thanks to Henry Romer for helpful suggestions.)

Vital Statistics: Barrier Peak

• Skill: Moderate scramble

• Beauty: 5

• Effort: 5

• Round-trip distance:

  • via Owyhigh Lakes trailhead: 8.7 miles

  • via Deer Creek trailhead: 8 miles

• Elevation gain

  • via Owyhigh Lakes trailhead: 2800'

  • via Deer Creek trailhead: 3300'

• Total  time: 8 hours

• Best season: June through September, or when Sunshine Park Road is open to White River Campground

• Equipment: Scramble gear; helmet recommended for Owyhigh Lakes approach

Barrier Peak Topo