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Trip Report    

Alpine Scramble - Bathtub Lakes & Hermans Peak

An easy and short climb to nearby Hermans Peak is well worth it for better views of all the nearby lakes and peaks, especially if a stop at Mt Pilchuck is not on the agenda.

Susan Shih Susan Shih
October 07, 2024
  • Road recommended for high clearance only

  • No privy at the Pinnacle Lake TH and a NW Forest Parking Pass or equivalent required.  Screenshot_20241007_111235_Drive.jpg

The 7 of left the trailhead around 7:30am.  What a morning it was!   We made a quick stop at Bear Lake before proceeding.  Soon we reached a tarn right before Pinnacle Lake and got a good view of Hermans Peak and part of Iodine Gulch, the route to Bathtub Lakes. 54048269076_213012788c_o.jpgWe soon reached Pinnacle Lake where we took a break before starting around the lake to reach the beginning of Iodine Gulch.  The water level was low so we stayed close to the shore while negotiating the boulders. 54049654088_3372a8629d_o.jpgUp Iodine Gulch we go.  54048605039_08267f7e4f_o.jpgThe fall colors get more vibrant as we continue up the gulch.  A grassy section here.  54048269866_26f5e0d00d_o.jpgWhat we see looking back.54049482646_a58457926f_o.jpgBefore too long we're at the top of the gulch with a big yellow sign telling us so.  There are braided trails from here to Bathtub Lakes.  To stay on the trail, look for the large yellow circles painted on the rocks for guidance.54048721125_1bc38657e3_o.jpgSoon after leaving the top of the gulch, we arrive at our first tarn.  It is here we leave the trail and start up the 300+ feet to the summit of Herman Peak.54048270401_da5161ca01_o.jpgYou can actually pick your own route.  I went up on the left of the peak and came down on the right.54048605954_713c5de4be_o.jpgAlmost at the summit (climber's right route).54048271126_7ac05de5a6_o.jpgSummit arrival.  Pawel (in blue) had come up from the left.54048763207_b8d80f7609_o.jpgOne group on the summit who took the right route.  One had to scramble across the exposed ridge in this photo to reach the other side.  It was short, but the exposure was more than some cared to do.  Views from the summit:  Part of our group.54048722640_db1ffca512_o.jpgPilchuck and Bathtub Lakes.54048607064_80a5b962de_o.jpgLake 2254048272181_3e04842b3b_o.jpgNorthern peaks.peakfinder.jpgSummit Lake
54048722990_f71c12f301_o.jpgSoon we were down and exploring Bathtub Lakes.  Spending time lounging and enjoying the warmth and beauty.  I was surprised we saw so few people on this gorgeous day, a group of boys who had camped and going down the gulch when we arrived at the top and only 3 others and a dog named Charlie.  Some of my many lake photos.54047412442_408c4c5545_o.jpg

54048724350_78e077df2a_o.jpg54048273016_b30eb489c1_o.jpgSad to leave on such a nice day.54048273716_53e47f82aa_o.jpgBack down the gulch and around Pinnacle Lake.54048528773_0b25ee4cbf_o.jpg54048273881_1459c93b7b_o.jpgBack at the trailhead at 4:30pm.    Beautiful views, great group, little suffering.  I would give it a Type 1 fun day!