52. McNeeley Peak, 6786' (S)

McNeeley Peak is an easy scramble with lovely views. It can be done in a half day by itself or combined with peaks in the Sunrise area, such as Fremont, Dege, and Antler. McNeeley Peak is named after Edwin J. McNeeley, an officer of the Tacoma Abstract and Title Company.

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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 15 miles to the road’s end at the Sunrise Visitor Center parking area.

Route

The trailhead is located to the right of the restrooms. Begin uphill on the asphalt trail leading to Sourdough Ridge. Climb 400' to top of the ridge and head west to the Huckleberry Creek Trail. Follow Huckleberry Creek trail to where it begins to descend into the basin east of Fremont. Leave the trail here (approximately 6500'), and head northeast toward McNeeley Peak. Head to the saddle southwest of McNeeley and then scramble up the ridge to the peak. In general, it is best to stay on or to the left (west) of the ridge (Thanks to Dave Shema for this suggestion). If you stay on the right(east) there is a rocky outcropping at around 6600’ that is best navigated by traveling on the right (east) at the base of the rocks.

Comments

Combining McNeeley with a traverse of Huckleberry Creek makes for a perfect mountain outing, though two cars are needed. Another option is to climb McNeeley and travel down the Huckleberry Creek Trail until the falls (approximately 3.5 miles from Sunrise). When combined with a climb of McNeeley, the falls make a great turnaround point. McNeeley may also be combined with Antler and Dege for a three-fer.

Vital Statistics: McNeeley Peak

• Skill: Easy scramble

• Beauty: 5

• Effort: 3

• Round-trip distance: 5 miles

• Elevation gain: 1000'

• Total time: 4 hours

• Best season: July through September, Road to Sunrise generally opens after July 4

• Equipment: Scramble gear