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Chinook Peak is not named on USGS maps other than by its elevation (peak 6904'). However, it is a prominent peak and was given the name Chinook by the Mountaineers because it is in the Chinook Pass area of the park. Eighty percent of this scramble is on a trail. Flowers are spectacular in mid- to late summer, and huckleberries are abundant in late August and early September. Chinook is an Indian word for a warm wind coming from the east.
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Driving
Drive SR 410 4.1 miles south of the Crystal Mountain ski area turnoff to the Crystal Lakes trailhead. Park on either side of the road. Park entrance fee is not required.
Route
Leave from the Crystal Lakes trailhead (elevation 3525'). After 1.4 miles (elevation 4600'), take the right fork in the trail leading to Crystal Peak. At 5825', at a switchback, leave the trail and traverse to the ridge, bearing 81 degrees. Upon attaining the ridge at 6565', to the right of peak 6706', continue to follow the ridge. Stay to the right of rock bumps if necessary. At 6780', go up a gully to the left of a rock face and follow a way trail to the peak. There is more than one way to reach Chinook Peak, so don’t be too worried if you don’t find a way trail for the final segment. If you find yourself doing class 3 rock climbing, you are off-route.
Comments
Beware of avalanche danger in the spring. If visibility is good when leaving the trail, you can head directly toward the summit. Helmets should be worn on the final approach. Chinook can be combined with Crystal Peak for a two-fer.
Vital Statistics: Chinook Peak
Skill: Easy scramble
Beauty: 7
Effort: 4
Round-trip distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation gain: 3810'
Total time: 5 hours
Best season: May through October
Equipment: Scramble gear, helmet
Chinook Peak Topo
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