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Marcus Peak is a difficult scramble because of steep terrain on the final ascent. Marcus is often combined with the Palisades. Marcus Peak was named in honor of Marcus Whitman, a missionary who, along with his wife and twelve others, was murdered in 1847 near Walla Walla.
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Driving
Drive SR 410 4.5 miles south of the Crystal Mountain ski area turnoff and turn right on Sunrise Park Road. Drive 13 miles to Sunrise Point. Park in the large parking lot (elevation 6100').
Route
From the east end of the parking lot, take the trail toward Sunrise Lake but turn north on the trail marked Palisades Lakes. Continue on the trail, and before reaching Dicks Lake come to a sign for Hidden Lake. Turn left on this trail and follow it past the lake; then ascend to the saddle between Marcus and the Palisades. From the saddle turn south. Work your way up the ridge finding the easiest terrain, mostly on the right side of the ridge, to the summit block. A boot track may be found. The final ascent to the summit is quite stable and blocky. But watch for loose rock. Marcus can also be approached from the northwest ridge.
Comments
We recommend wearing a helmet for the summit approach. The route to the Palisades summit also leaves from the Marcus-Palisades saddle.
Vital Statistics: Marcus Peak
Skill: Difficult scramble
Beauty: 7
Effort: 9
Round-trip distance: 8 miles
Elevation gain: 3500'
Total time: 7 hours
Best season: July through September or first snow
Equipment: Scramble gear, helmet recommended
Marcus Peak Topo
(use CalTopo to print PDF topo, view Google Earth, download tracks, for trailhead weather) [How to ?]
Marcus Peak Photos
Informal trail from Hidden Lake
Route up ridge from saddle
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