65. Pigeon Peak, 4280' (S)

Pigeon Peak is one of our least favorite climbs. To start, it has a long approach and then a very brushy and slow-going traverse. And then, to top things off, the views are almost nonexistent; the peak is not really a peak, but merely a flat, treed ridge with a steep cliff at the end. We suggest this climb in last summer or early fall as it may be possible to ford the White River and save a lot of time and effort. The origin of the peak’s name is unknown.

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Driving

See special note below for updated information. Check with ranger station in Enumclaw for road updates. As of 2012, the only road approach was to take SR 410 south from Enumclaw and turn right on FS 74 (about 3 miles south of Greenwater). In approximately 0.25 mile, turn left on FS 75. Follow FS 75 over Haller Pass and keep going until a junction with FS 7550. Turn south on FS 7550 and park at the blockage.

Route

There are two routes to Pigeon.

Northern Loop Trail Route: From the blockage on FS 7550, bike for less than a mile (it is hardly worth bring bikes) until the road becomes impassable to bikes. Leave bikes and continue on road, which is somewhat overgrown. At the park border continue on an old abandoned trail. This trail is hard to follow but is flagged in parts. It stays mostly in the forest on the east side of the West Fork of the White River. In about 1.5 miles from park boundary, come to the Northern Loop Trail. Turn right (west) and continue to approximately 4000'. Head cross-country, mostly northerly, rising to about 4250'. Head northeast, following the best terrain at about 4300’, until you come to the end of the ridge called Pigeon Peak (4280'). The summit area is a somewhat flat hump and open with a rock cairn. There is a steep cliff to the east.

Fording the White River Route: In late summer and early fall it may be possible to cross the West Fork of the White River at approximately 2900’. There may be several possible crossing locations depending on log positions (see approximate location as shown on the topological map). If this can be accomplished safely it will save considerable time and effort. Once across the river, follow the ridge as shown on the topological map. You may find elk or deer paths leading upward. You may choose to return via the Northern Loop Trail route. 

Alternate route via Grand Park:  The topo shows a third route via Grand Park.  This is longer but it avoids all brush and downed trees on FS 7550.   

Comments

The map in this guide (CalTopo) show both the road approach and the bike and hiking approach. Of course, you can do this climb without a bike, but it does save 3 miles round-trip.  It is recommended to check with the NP Ranger to confirm that the foot bridge is intact over the West Fork of the White River.  

Special Note

Following is an update from Dale Flynn:  

As of late 2017, Forest Service Road 75 was in excellent condition, all the way to FS Road 7550.  There was active logging going on in several places, right next to the road.  There have been a tremendous number of blow-down trees on FS Road 7550 in the last several years.  As of late 2017, almost all of it has been removed in the first 2-3 miles of FS 7550.  So, it may again be possible to mountain bike for several miles on the flat road, with several short detours around washouts.  Beyond FS 7550, the blow-downs continue until hitting a massive hair-ball of blow-downs that covers acres.  At the hair-ball, we dropped down to the West Fork on the White River and forded the river (3,000’).  The water came up to our knees (in October); September would have been better for low water.  On the west side of the river, continue easily south in the rocks of the riverbed (better visibility) or go south in the forest.

After identifying the location of Pigeon, ascend the east facing slope that is south of the Pigeon Creek drainage and north of Pigeon Peak.  The slope is fairly steep but the only real issue is dealing with occasional blow-downs.  At around 3,600-3,700’, reach the crest of the ridge that separates this east slope from the Pigeon Creek drainage.  Follow this obvious ridge up and south on a very nice way trail.  Continue up and roughly south, until just west of the summit.  Then go east.  A counter-clockwise curl around to the south of the summit will avoid a final stretch of blow-downs and tight little trees.  If it weren’t for all the blow-downs on the approach, this route on Pigeon Peak makes for a perfectly reasonable scramble - in low water.  (Thanks to Dale Flynn, Gretchen Lentz, Gordy Smith, and Henry Romer for this updated information). 

In light of the above information one could consider entirely different routes especially if fording the river is not possible (for example in early to mid summer). One alternate route is to enter the Park via Lake Eleanor (see access to park described in Scarface). From Lake Eleanor travel to the Northern Loop Trail (This is labeled Grand Park alternate route on the topo map) and above Van Horn Falls leave the trail on best terrain toward Pigeon. The other alternate route is to enter the Park at the Carbon River Entrance, travel via bike to Ipsut Creek, hike to the Northern Loop Trail and then travel east.  After passing Lake James leave the Northern Loop Trail (around 4000') and travel on best terrain to Pigeon. Both of these alternates would require an overnight and as far as we know have not been attempted as of early 2018.

Vital Statistics: Pigeon Peak

• Skill: Moderate scramble

• Beauty: 1

• Effort:

  • 10 via Northern  Loop Trail

  • 6 via fording the White River

• Round-trip distance

  • 15.8  miles (1 mile can be biked) via Northern Loop Trail

  • 10 miles (1 mile can be biked) via fording the White River

• Elevation gain: 2500'

• Total time

  • 12 hours via Northern Loop Trail

  • 8 hours via fording the White River

• Best season: July through September. Late summer/early fall is best for fording the White River

• Equipment: Scramble gear