34. Double Peak, 6207' (S)

Double Peak is a very challenging scramble, primarily because of extensive brush bashing through devil’s club. Not one of our favorites. We have, however, spoken to others who report a less awful experience. Perhaps it might be more doable with more snow cover on the route. The mountain’s name is descriptive of its two peaks.

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Driving

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.

Route

From the trailhead, hike to the creek and turn left on the Chinook Creek Trail. Head southwesterly on this trail for approximately 1 mile (crossing the creek at approximately 0.6 mile) until you come to the creek draining the Double Peak basin (2700'). Cross this creek and, in about 20 yards head uphill staying on the left (southwest) side on the creek. Climb to the basin at approximately 4600'. Stay 50–100 yards to the southwest of the creek as you climb toward the basin. You may be lucky and find some elk paths. This is the worst part of the trip and the brush and Devil’s Club will sap your energy. Once at the basin, stay on the east ridge above the basin, contouring until you reach a upper basin. You will likely drop 60' into the upper basin. From the upper basin, climb the gully to the left of the summits. This gully has a lot of scree and loose rock (Mickey was almost hit by a football-sized rock). It is an easy scramble from the top of the gully to the summit. The true summit is the southeast peak.  A hand line may be useful on the descent.  

Comments

Helmets and a hand line are strongly recommended. Leather gloves are also recommended for passage through the Devils Club.  The nasty loose rock gully can be avoided on snow in Spring.  A new benchmark on the summit gives a new elevation of 6207'  (Thanks to Jacob Lopilato for this information)

Vital Statistics: Double Peak

• Skill: Moderate scramble

• Beauty: 8

• Effort: 10

• Round-trip distance: 8 miles

• Elevation gain: 4200'

• Total time: 10 hours

• Best season: May through September or first snow

• Equipment: scramble gear, helmet strongly recommended

Route shown in spring

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