Overview
One of the peaks that once had a lookout on top, this is a great viewpoint on a clear day, in fact, it is an outstanding viewpoint. The lookout is long gone and you can still see where it was located by some remnants that are still present but what you really find is a semi structure that is like a large rock windbreak and not much else. Where the lookout is located however, is not the highest spot on Davis Peak, you will find that via a way trail that leads on to the west. The high spot gives you a great view down to Terrance and Opal Lakes.
Davis Peak's highest area.
Getting There
Whether you are coming from the east or the west on I-90, you need to exit at Cle Elum. Look for SR 903 as it heads from Cle Elum to Rosyln. It is about 19 miles to Salmon La Sac and just before the campground and a bridge you would cross if you went too far, there is a road that angles up to the right (FS 4330) and 1.7 miles of bumpy washboarded road will bring you to the signed turnoff for Davis Peak. Go left (north) and in less than a half mile the road descends to the TH (this last bit of road can be rough). An additional area for parking is found just above the lower parking area and if you can't find decent parking, back track up the road to this nicer area to park. From the TH, descend to a crossing of a nice bridge that gets you nicely over the Cle Elum River. From there, its onward and upward (avoid a trail that goesFor more information about the route (trail), see the route offering to the left.
Red Tape
No trail pass was required to park at the TH.
Davis Peak summit in the background
Camping
Nearby car camping is available at several campgrounds along the Cle Elum river with Salmon La Sac being the closest.It is also possible to camp along the roads (where not posted) and at the 2nd parking area. I'm not sure I'd want to put a tent up at that one but it is flat enough to sleep comfortably in your own vehicle (which is what several of us did)
Campgrounds:
Wish Posh:
Wish Poosh. 8 miles northwest of Cle Elum, on Cle Elum Valley Road #903. Fees: Single, $14; Double, $28; Extra vehicle per night, $11; Day use picnic and/or boat launch fee, $5. Annual pass available from concessionaire. Facilities: Single and double family camp units, picnicking units, flush toilets, potable water, barbecue grills, paved boat launch, swimming, parking lot. Units: 34 camping; 16 picnicking. Activities: Tent and trailer camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing.
Cle Elum River
On Cle Elum Valley Road #903, 15 miles north of Cle Elum. Fees: Single, $11; Double, $22; Extra vehicle per night, $9. Facilities: Vault toilets, tables, stoves, drinking water. Units: 23 camping plus a group site than can be reserved for up to 100 persons. Activities: Tent and trailer camping, group camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, hiking.
Red
On Cle Elum Valley Road #903, 16 miles north of Cle Elum. Fees: Single, $8; Extra vehicle per night, $5; Possible Day Use Fee. Facilities: Vault toilets, stoves, tables, no potable water. Units: 10 camping. Activities: Tent camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking.
Salmon La Sac
At the end of the Cle Elum Valley Road #903, 19 miles north of Cle Elum. Fees: Single, $14; Double, $28; Extra vehicle per night, $11; Possible Day Use Fees. Facilities: Potable water, flush toilets, community kitchen, stoves, tables, guard station. Units: 99 camping, (12 of which are double family units), (25 of which can be reserved); 20 picnicking. Activities: Tent and trailer camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, hiking.
Owhi (at Cooper Lake)
Five miles off the Cle Elum Valley Road above Lake Cle Elum
at Cooper Lake. The turnoff is approximately 16 miles from Cle Elum. Fees: Single, $8; Extra vehicle per night, $5; Possible Day Use Fee. Facilities: Vault toilets, stoves, tables, parking lot, boat launch, no potable water. Units: 22 walk-in camping only; camper/trailer facilities and parking not available. Activities: Camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, photography, non-motorized
boating.
More info available HERE
Weather (closest resource)
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Lake Terence
The history of the Lookout
As many of the peaks in the northwest were utilized for the establishment of lookouts, trails were generally built to service them. Even though this peak's lookout is long gone, a great trail remains and allows for easy access. The peak was named in honor of Louie Davis, a young man who died during the offseason. Ranger Grover Burch was the one who did the naming and it is appropriate to realize that this peak was named for someone who served as a lookout. According to Ira Spring and Byron Fish (the source I'm using for this history), the lookout was built about 1934 and removed in 1968.Many who climb this peak (err, hike this peak) do so because it was a lookout peak and there are many who are interested in visiting as many of the lookout sites and existing lookouts as they can. A noble pursuit and a healthy one.
The 2006 fire
A fire burned on the southwest side of Davis Peak in early September of last year (2006) As a result, the trail was closed and still had a closure sign on it as recently as 7-21-07. An exploratory hike of this trail led several of us to believe that it is time to take the closure off and deal with some of the downed trees, none of which create much of an obstacle to anyone hiking the trail. The worst damage is above the 4000 foot mark or therabouts.This LINK will provide some information on this.
The highest point
Interestingly enough, Paul Klenke brought forth information that indicated the actual highest point of Davis Peak might be found on the north ridge, just across a notch that can be seen in the first photo on this page. When we were on what we assumed was the highest point on Davis Peak, none of us really paid any attention to the north side of the notch. For those who really want to make sure they get the true "summit" of Davis Peak, it may be worthwhile to make the effort to tag the north point of the ridge as shown in this picture posted by Bob Bolton.
Read Bob's caption for more information
