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Scorpion Mountain

Trip

Backpack - Scorpion Mountain

A beautiful one night trip to a lonely alpine lake

Info
COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity.

Contacts

Nathan Wiggin
Nathan Wiggin
Primary Leader
  • Fri, Aug 22, 2014 — Sat, Aug 23, 2014
  • Seattle 20-30 Somethings
  • Backpacking
  • Singles, 20-30 Somethings
  • Moderate/Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 9.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,650 ft

9:00 AM, Friday morning (8/22/2014) at the Greenlake Park & Ride 

While the Mountaineers says it's a ridge to a peak, there is a little know lake (Joan Lake) on the east side of Scorpion Mountain.  That is the destination.

I read about this trip in the May edition of Backpacker magazine and have wanted to do it since. Some highlights from the description: "Solitude a stone's throw from Seattle. . . Expansive views and wildflower slopes"  The trip in is a bit over 4 miles, but has some pretty decent elevation gain as the trail meanders up to the top of first Sunrise Peak (5,056) and then to Scorpion Mountain (5,440) before descending into hidden Joan Lake (5,080).  We will take our time getting there then relax and enjoy the views once settled in.

Bring a fishing pole (if you have a license) as there are brook trout in the lake.

We will have all day Saturday to wake up, enjoy the sunrise, eat drink some coffee, take down camp then hike the ~5 miles (mostly) downhill back to the cars.  We should hopefully be home in time for dinner.

Route/Place

Scorpion Mountain


  • USGS Monte Cristo
    USGS Bench Mark Mtn
    Green Trails Monte Cristo No. 143
    Green Trails Benchmark Mtn No. 144
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter
  • Bear canister or extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
Trip Reports