Beginning on a sunny Friday afternoon, the drive up along the trickling Cle Elum River was moderately bumpy, but quite navigable. Scatter creek ford was completely dry. A few cars and one horse trailer were already at the Cathedral Pass trail head when we arrived.
Squaw Lake
A pleasant 4.5 mile hike through forest skirted Squaw Lake following the PCT until diverging at Cathedral Pass and ending at Peggy's Pond. We arrived before dusk, set up camp alongside 3 other parties and ate a hot meal.
Peggy's Pond camp site
Whats under Peggy's Pond?
There are two latrines at Peggy's Pond. Fair warning. The next person to use the Southern most wooden platform over a dirt hole will re-enact that unpleasant outhouse scene from Slumdog. If you choose to hike up there, bring a hammer and nails to fix the platform and you will be a hero.
A trail from Peggy's Pond ascends the SE ridge of Daniel. We got a good look into the Windex colored water at Circle Lake along the way. Closer to the top, there are some melting glacial remnants to cross. It is no problem to go thru or around. No axe or crampons were required.
Circle Lake from Daniel SE Ridge
The SE ridge leads to the Eastern most peak of Daniel where we flipped over a col near this summit and made the trek to the true summit on the West side. This traverse crosses two scree fields that will try to give you a ride down the mountain, but views of the lakes, Rainier and the Cascade Crest will make it seem worth while.
Traverse to Daniel West Peak
Venus and Spade Lakes under Tahoma
Once at the true West side summit, we signed the register, took an altitude reading from the GPS (7,975'), had some lunch, took in the views of Stuart, Glacier, Adams, Rainier, Granite as well as the yawning glacier below us. My attempt to fly a kite in the swirling winds ended in a tangle of string on the rocks. After a clean-up we re-traced our steps - wad of string safely in the pack.
The Doc on West Peak with Hinman
Lyman Glacier?
Cathedral Rock tempted us with its Western flank on the way down. We decided to ascend and got past the first two cliff bands, but gave up after 10 minutes searching for the elusive easy route. Better planning needed next time.
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