58. Naches Peak, 6452' (S)

Naches is a deceptive little peak. It is close to the road and seems simple enough, but it has a nasty step with a lot of exposure at the summit. The Seattle branch of the Mountaineers used to consider it a scramble but because of this sketchy bit decided to drop it. We still consider Naches a scramble, but because of the difficult step near the summit, we consider it a difficult scramble. Also, the short exposed section cannot easily be protected and thus you have to feel comfortable on this portion. Naches Peak derives its name from an Indian word for “plenty of water” or “turbulent water.”

_________________________________ 

Driving

Drive SR 410 and park at Chinook Pass (elevation 5430') on the south side of the road.

Route

The route heads up the northwest ridge of Naches and generally traverses open slopes and stays to the right of the ridge. There is a footpath for much of the way. From Chinook Pass (elevation 5432'), hike the Pacific Crest Trail south, and within 80 yards take a footpath heading to the right toward the peak of Naches. Initially stay on the footpath, and at 5650', where the footpath divides, take the left fork. Stay on the path and at 5750’ the path divides again. Stay left. This path will take you to the ridge and up to the summit buttress. If you cannot find this path there are many other ways to reach the summit buttress. Another way is to head to the forest on the ridge. Stay pretty much on the ridge in the forest and then to the right as you come to an open slope. Once on the open slope, continue with a rising traverse with a bearing of about 150 degrees. Try to stay below the rocks on the ridge. There is a footpath below the rocks on the final portion of the ridge leading to the summit buttress. Follow the path until coming to a faint Y in the path at the base of the summit buttress. Take the left footpath up several steep rock steps (total about 15’). Walk up the airy ridge with good solid rock. This takes you to an 8’ down climb. Look for excellent foot holds. (Note the following from Henry Romer: On the 8’ down climb, you can’t really “look” for good foot holds because the face bends away from you. A hand line here may be appreciated by many. On the other hand, heading back up is easy because you can see everything. To belay this section, look back 20’ for anchor cracks to the left and right of the ridge.) Then traverse around a couple of airy steps. Move left across the ridge and go along the base on the left side of the ridge. This takes you to the summit. (Thanks to Grace Parker, Ken Wells, and Henry Romer for assistance with the route description)

Comments

Go to the top only if you are comfortable with exposure. The open slopes can be slippery if wet. We recommend an ice ax (for a dirt arrest) even if there is no snow. Flowers are quite spectacular in August and September.

Vital Statistics: Naches Peak

• Skill: Difficult scramble; short, very exposed section near the top 

• Beauty: 4

• Effort: 2

•  Round-trip distance: 2 miles

•  Elevation gain: 1000'

•  Total time: 3 hours

•  Best season: July through September or first snow 

• Equipment: Scramble gear, helmet, ice ax for dirt arrest

Naches Peak Topo