Seattle: Cashmere Mountain
Set aside 2 days to explore the Wenatchee Mountains on this 16-mile out-and-back, which features alpine lakes, glacier-draped peaks, and lots of solitude.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 12.8
Waypoints
CSM001
Location: 47.536060333252, -120.813697814941
From trailhead, pass through old-growth hemlock; this first stretch presents views to the S of several high glaciers in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness
CSM002
Location: 47.537239074707, -120.81770324707
View of Colchuck Glacier and its steep snowfield plunging down rugged walls of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks
CSM003
Location: 47.5367202758789, -120.827301025391
Carefully cross Pioneer Creek on fallen tree
CSM004
Location: 47.5247688293457, -120.84888458252
After the verdant banks of Little Eightmile Lake, turn R onto Trail 1554
CSM005
Location: 47.5396385192871, -120.862899780273
Climb steep slope through charred timber before dropping into Lake Caroline; good spot for a break
CSM006
Location: 47.5446510314941, -120.87020111084
Continue on gentle grade through hemlock, subalpine fir, and whitebark pine to Little Lake Caroline. Campsites abound; see Leavenworth ranger sta. for permit
CSM007
Location: 47.5526390075684, -120.874702453613
Head NE on trail to Windy Pass. Thinning vegetation gives way to alpine meadows and rocky crags
CSM008
Location: 47.5591201782227, -120.856101989746
Head ENE @ Windy Pass on faint climber’s trail leading up ridge; stay R below first set of rocky crags, then scramble toward saddle
CSM009
Location: 47.5589904785156, -120.850601196289
Scramble up Class 3 slope, passing large cairn before reaching boulder-strewn gully leading to highest of four peaks
CSM010
Location: 47.5587501525879, -120.847396850586
Cashmere Mtn.: 360° view includes Mts. Rainier and Baker, Snoqualmie Crest. Return on same trail. LNT: Don’t cut across fragile meadow to Windy Pass