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Tourmaline Peak


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Tourmaline Peak

A strenuous 17 mile, 6,100 feet elevation gain scramble located at the head of the Foss Lakes. It towers above the northwest side of Chetwoot Lake and is one of the higher peaks in the middle of the Alpine Lakes wilderness.

getting there

Turn south onto Forest Road 68, Foss River Road, off of SR 2 ~0.5 mile east of the Skykomish Ranger Station. At its fork with Forest Road 6030, go right staying on Forest Road 68 for ~2. Take the left fork onto Forest Road 6035 and follow it to its end and the West Fork Foss River Trailhead (1,600 ft).

APPROACH & ascent

Hike the Big Heart Lake Trail (No. 1064) past Trout Lake, Copper Lake, and Little Heart Lake to Big Heart Lake.  Continue along the lake to a steep ridge between Big Heart and Angeline Lakes and follow this ridge beyond the lakes. At the high point on the ridge above Chetwoot Lake, turn right and head WSW up the slope to the 6,245-foot summit. It's 5-6 hours from the trailhead to the summit.

NOTES

  • This is challenging as a one-day Scramble; it can be done more easily as an overnight trip by camping at Big Heart Lake.
  • Suitable Activities: Scrambling
  • Seasons: July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Technical 3, Strenuous 5
  • Length: 17.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 6,100 ft
  • 6,245 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Skykomish No. 175
  • USGS Big Snow Mtn
  • USGS Skykomish
  • Green Trails Alpine Lakes West (Stevens Pass) No. 176S
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