Poch Peak & West Poch Peak

getting there

From Enumclaw drive 5 miles west on SR-410 to the small town of Buckley and on the west end of town, turn left (south) onto SR-165. Continue 10 miles through the communities of Carbonado and Wilkeson before crossing the one-lane bridge over the deep Fairfax Gorge on the Carbon River. Just beyond the bridge, turn right onto Mowich Lake Road (Forest Road 79) a narrow road that climbs through a clearcut slope. Drive 8 miles to its junction with Forest Road  7920 (3,300 ft). Park along the road, leaving the roadway clear so that other vehicles can pass and turn around safely.

approach & ascent

Follow Forest Road 7920 to the junction of Forest Road 7930.  Traverse North East for ~0.5 mile, then travel west about ~0.2 mile.  Follow the ridge line to Forest Road 7830-510.  Continue up the ridge line to West Poch Peak (or save for the return trip).  Travel northeast on Forest Road 7830-510 to the junction of Forest Roads 7830 & 7930.  Follow Forest Road 7930 northeast a short distance, and then follow the ridge line to Poch Peak. Views are limited from the summit. On a clear day expect unique views of Mount Rainer during the duration of the scramble that are not seen on most scrambles.

• Suitable Activities: Scrambling
• Seasons: January, February, March, December
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous, Winter Scramble
• Length: 8.5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
• High Point: 5,100 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12