Cub Peak

Washington, United States, North America

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Olympic Range (WA)
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Cub Peak

Page Type:	Mountain/Rock
Lat/Lon:	47.53805°N / 123.29189°W
Activities:	Hiking, Scrambling
Elevation:	4755 ft / 1449 m
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Overview

The rige line of scree and loose rock on the way to the summit of Cub Peak~May 26, 2005~

Cub Peak (aka Peak 4755) is a seldom climbed peak located directly a mile north/northeast of Copper Mountain, and half a mile to the east of Wagonwheel Lake, on the border of Olympic National Park and The Mount Skokomish Wilderness Area. The local rangers call it Cub Peak, hence why I named it as such for this page, seeing as it's not on any map. This peak is an excellent day hike (7 mile round trip) and is more challenging then Mt Ellinor or Mt Rose with the strong possibility of no people on the summit. Wagonwheel Lake trail to the base of Cub Peak is the 2nd steepest trail in the Olympic Mountains with 3240 feet of elevation gain in 2.8 miles. Cub Peak is another 650 feet higher to the east of the lake. Cub Peak isn't particularly stunning for scenic value in itself, but it offers a variety of scrambling opportunities to reach the jagged summit.

The views from this summit make it worth the almost 4,000 feet of elevation gain needed to make the summit. The summit offers great views down the North Fork of the Skokomish River and Hamma Hamma River valley's. Mt's Cruiser, Lincoln, Stone, Skokomish, Ellinor, Pershing and Washington are just some of the 14 major Olympic peaks visible from the summit. Mt. St. Helens is also visible to the south, as is Hood Canal. The ridge scramble is particularly fun on this peak and because of the loose rock makes for an interesting traverse to the summit block. If nothing else, make the hike up Cub Peak just for the view.

Summit view from Cub Peak looking north at the Sawtooth Ridge, Northeast towards Mt Constance and the Brothers, and West and South towards Mt Pershing and the Washington/Ellinor Duo

Getting There

The Brothers from Cub Peak, just below the summit

Mt Pershing viewed from the north on Cub Peak. The Brothers are to the left on the far sice of the Hamma Hamma River Valley~May 26, 2005~

Take U.S. Highway 101 North. Drive north until reaching Hoodsport. Turn left on Lake Cushman Road and drive past Lake Cushman State Park. Turn left on Forest Road 24 and drive 6.6 miles to the Staircase Ranger Station. The trailhead to Wagonwheel Lake is located near the North Fork trailhead. It is 2.8 miles to Wagonwheel Lake. At this point the right trail heads towards campsites and the lake but the left trail continues straight on up the side of the ridge towards Cub Peak.

Red Tape

It costs 15 dollars to gain entry into Olympic National Park. The cost for overnight stay is 2 dollars per night per person. For any other additional information call the Hoodsport Ranger Station at: 1-360-877-5254

When To Climb

The best time of year to attempt to summit Cub Peak is from middle to late May until Mid-October. On a dryer year like this in the Olympics it's possible to climb earlier in the spring or even later in the winter season. Check with the local Ranger Station for current conditions on the Wagonwheel Lake trail before attempting a climb out of season.

Camping

Wagonwheel Lake

There are several good campsites around WagonWheel Lake at the base of both Cub Peak and Copper Mountain. From here there is easy access to both peaks. Camping is allowed at Wagonwheel Lake. There are several spots located sporadically around the lake. Obtain a map of the Wagonwheel Lake area at the Hoodsport Ranger Station for better info on overnight camping opportunities.