Chikamin Peak: South Slope

Chikamin Peak is the prominent, angular peak rising at the head of Gold Creek Valley, easily seen from Interstate 90 near the Hyak exit. It is probably the easiest of the several 7,000-foot summits along this portion of the Snoqualime Crest in terms of climbing and routefinding difficulty, as well as route length and complexity of approach. Although the approach hike is fairly long, the PCT passes to within about 1,000 vertical feet of Chikamin Peak’s summit, greatly simplifying the ascent. It is often climbed by hikers passing on the PCT and by climbers as part of a multi-day, multi-peak trip. The elevation of Chikamin Peak is listed as 6,926 feet, but the USGS topo map clearly shows the highest point, the sharp peak in the middle of the summit ridge, to be just over 7,000 feet high. Whatever the actual elevation, Chikamin is an enjoyable climb, best done as an overnight trip but feasible in a long day. Like most other summits included in this guide, Chikamin Peak offers spectacular views, especially of the Snoqualmie Crest peaks, Mount Daniel, Mount Stuart, and Mount Rainier. Chikamin means both “metal” and “money” in the Chinook jargon, depending on how it is pronounced.