Colquhoun Peak

Overview

Colquhoun Peak located three miles south of Kelly Butte is one of many peaks that used to be sites of former lookout tower. When you head to the summit today you might find this hard to believe due to the fact that the summit has only partial views and in a couple years it will become completely overgrown with no summit views. Views though can be obtain just off the summit from the ridge on the south side. The view of Rainier from this ridge is excellent and the views along many areas of the trail are worthwhile as well. 

Though getting to the trail will require at least a higher clearance vehicle, once at the trailhead the unmarked but easy to follow trail up to the summit is only a half mile with 600 feet of elevation gain. If you have passenger car you may want to walk the road which add another half mile and 300 feet of elevation gain.  This entire route is a walk up trail and can be done by most hikers in under 45 minutes. I did it 15 minutes and I am very far from being the fastest climber or hiker.



There are views along the path heading up, one of Kelly Butte and another of Sawmill Ridge. Near the summit there is another as well though it was cloudy when I was there to take pictures. This peak is a well worthwhile visit if you are peakbagging in the area.

Map of the Route

Getting There

From Route 410 in Greenwater: Just south of Greenwater turn east on NAD 70 and stay on it roughly 7.5 east. Stay on the road until you run into NAD 7030 where you want to head north (left) and follow the road as it rises up all the up to a gap where there will be a T way intersection. You want to head make a right onto Route 7060. Roughly a half mile on the road you want to make a right onto a lesser maintain dirt road and take it all the way to the turnaround. The trail though unmarked will be all the way at the end

Red Tape

None

Camping

Though the peak is very easy to summit and most complete this mountain in less than two hours. You can camp either on the summit or the trailhead. Watch out though or ticks here. They are common in this section of the mountain.

External Links

Here is the best websites for conditions on Colquhoun Peak and other mountains in the region

Images

View Colquhoun Peak Image Gallery - 20 Images