Big Chiwaukum
A long, Class 2-3 scramble of the highest mountain in the Chiwaukum Mountain range with 17 miles and 5,280 feet of elevation gain. A hiking or backpacking trip up Whitepine Creek, Wildhorse Creek, to Lake Grace, or further into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness are good options too.
getting there
Drive SR 2 to 13.5 miles east of Stevens Pass and turn south onto White Pine Road. Continue to the White Pine Trailhead at the road's end (2,800 ft).
On the Trail
From the Whitepine Creek and Wildhorse Creek Trails there are good day hiking options in addition to backpacking options to Lake Grace and beyond in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Lake Grace
14.4 miles round trip, 3,600 feet of elevation gain, 6,200 ft high point
Hike the Whitepine Creek Trail (No. 1582) 2.7 miles to the Wildhorse Creek Trail (No. 1592). Continue 3.4 miles on the Wildhorse Creek Trail to its intersection with the steep spur trail to Lake Grace. Hike 1.1 miles on the spur trail to Lake Grace.
approach & ascent
Big Chiwaukum
17 miles round trip, 5,280 feet of elevation gain, 8,081 ft high point, Difficulty: Strenuous 5, Technical 5
Hike the Whitepine Creek Trail (No. 1582) 2.7 miles to the Wildhorse Creek Trail (No. 1592). Continue on Wildhorse Creek Trail to ~5,400 ft directly west of the summit. Begin scrambling through meadows and around rock bands or alternatively continue to Grace Lakes for camp. Scramble to the west ridge and ascend eastward toward the main summit ridge. Turn north staying below the summit headwall and scramble past blocky ledges to the summit pinnacle.
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Scrambling
- Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October, November
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Strenuous 5, Technical 5
- Length: 17.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 5,300 ft
- 8,081 ft
-
Land Manager:
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Wenatchee River Ranger District (OWNF)
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. 208SX
- Green Trails Chiwaukum Mtns No. 177
- USGS Mt Howard
- USGS Chiwaukum Mountains
- Green Trails Alpine Lakes West (Stevens Pass) No. 176S
This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.
- Whitepine Creek
- Wildhorse Creek
- Whitepine & Wildhorse Creeks
- Lake Grace
- Whitepine, Wildhorse & Lake Grace
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