[GeoTom]

I haven't written a TR in a while. Matt and I wanted to find a non-dumpster dive, Class Dog scramble with no crowds and decent views. We managed to find one with the west peak of Fifes Peaks (6,880+). I have driven by the pullout many times before on my way to and from Dani's family cabin, but don't recall ever stopping. Now I have. The beginning of Crow Lake Way Trail was a little difficult to find buried under some deadfall, but soon enough we were past that and headed into a partially burned forest. There were a few downed trees to navigate on the way, but nothing serious. The views opened up a little as we gained the ridge, and soon enough we would see our destination as well as the more imposing looking East Peak. After we left the trail ~5,800' some fairly easy cross-country travel ensued. At times there was almost a bootpath, other times we appeared to be following game trails. There were a couple gullies that had been scoured to a much harder surface. I had a bit of difficulty with one gully in particular, but Matt and the dogs crossed easily. We then gained the ridge and traversed to the western edge of the summit block. A wide ramp provided access to a couple easier looking options. We took the longer but not as loose eastern option on the ascent, and took shorter but looser western option on the descent. After another short scramble section above (Class 2), it was a fairly short walk to the summit. The summit register was found easily, and there was even a tree at the top to provide Kimtah with a shady spot for one of her Kim-ball naps. I managed to send an inReach message to Dani telling her that we were on the summit. Her response was 'Cool.' It wasn't exactly cool, but it wasn't too hot either with a nice breeze. We could see the big five Washington volcanoes from the top, as well as many other peaks including the Stuart range, some of the Goat Rocks and the Aix/Bismarck Peak/Nelson Ridge area. After a nice break on top and some lunch, we turned around and headed down. The descent was mostly uneventful, and I passed the questionable gully with Matt and both dogs waiting patiently for me on the other side. We made it back to the parking lot to see the only people we'd seen all day, although none of them appeared to have actually hiked very far up the trail. Kimtah slept most of the drive back. I really need to teach her how to drive. Some photos:

Early forest

Kimtah and Melica lead the way

Sharing a snow patch

Start of the off-trail travel

Sniffing out the route

Pilchuck makes an appearance

Our goal was the gentler summit on the left

Can we catch them, dad?

Melica

She pulled me up the harder parts

Final slopes

So much snow that the lookout is still buried

She wanted to sign the register

Fifes Frogs

Summit view

Kim-ball

Descent

Back on the ridge

Back into the forest

Paintbrush

A look back

[Mike Collins]

I looked at the map for Fifes Peaks. Did you climb the highpoint to the WNW of 6783’? The link is for Fifes Ridge but Fifes Peaks are on the same map. https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=18329

[GeoTom]

[Mike Collins]

Thanks. I see it now. When I was in that area I climbed the highpoint of Fifes Ridge as it is a wilderness HP. I might go back to visit your peak.

[puzzlr]

Great to see your name here again. I've been curious about Fifes for a long time so it was good to see some photos up close.

[zephyr]

[GeoTom]

[zephyr]

[Kascadia]

Thanks for this info/pics! We were on Goat Peak yesterday (the first time I've gone beyond Chinook Pass on 410 for a hike) and the Fifes Peak wall was impressive.