Overview
A few hundred feet of steep heather slopes, easy rock ledges and a gorgeous ridge walk to a fun summit scramble and stunning views. The climb starts at a point 12.5 miles back from Snoqualmie Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail, making the day climb a nice 26 miler--assuming you don't get lost [as I did on my first attempt]. The trick is finding the best spot to leave the trail and start heading up; this is one of those routes that offers a hundred ways to get into a bad place and one easy way hidden among them. Once found though, the normal route is quite straightforward and fast. A good route description can be found in the standard guidebook for the area peaks: "Cascade Alpine Guide" by Fred Becky
Getting There
Approach the peak starting from the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead at Snoqualmie Pass [approximately 50 miles east of Seattle on Interstate 90]. The start of the climb is about 12.5 miles north along the PCT. Leave the trail and ascend steep heather slopes and easy rock ledges to a saddle on the same ridge shared by Chikamin and the Four Brothers formation--see photos.
Red Tape
Apart from the local wilderness parking pass, no special fees or permits are required.
When To Climb
Owing to the length of the approach, a day climb is only feasible from early to mid-July through late October. A strong snowshoeing party with good navigational skills could conceivably make the climb in winter, although 26 miles of deep snow on slide-prone slopes are probably prohibitive.
Camping
A multi-day trek along the PCT offers many good camping and peakbagging opportunities. Chikamin could, in fact, be included in a two or three day adventure that could take in even more challenging peaks like Thomson, Huckleberry, thhe Lemah Group and many others. Refer to Becky's guide for approach details.
Mountain Conditions
http://www.pioneernet.net/zoroastr/nav-hike.html
Images
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