Trip Report
Alpine Scramble - Southeast Castle Mountain (Point 6703)
Despite the forecast for intermittent rain showers, we had gorgeous weather with sunny skies and gorgeous views.
Andy Cahn
- Tue, Oct 21, 2025
- Alpine Scramble - Southeast Castle Mountain (Point 6703)
- Pacific Crest Trail: Norse Peak to Hayden Pass
- Scrambling
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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We had an inch or two of snow as soon as we crossed the divide into the Goat Creek drainage, but it was not slippery. The snow obscured our efforts to find more pseudo-fossils.
We found an easier route than last time. We stayed longer on the PCT, until we were SE of the summit, than ran a rising traverse northward until we were due east of the summit, then turned west to the summit.
On the way down, we tagged Kahuna and Little Kahuna peaks too.
From the summit, we had a great view of Stuart and the Enchantments, sparkling with fresh snow, rising above the Yakima River valley entirely filled with purple-tinged smoke from the forest fires. We could also see Glacier Peak perfectly flanked by Lemah and Chimney Rock. We could see Baker and the Olympics. And of course, Rainier loomed over all.
For dinner, we tried Enumclaw's Rainier Bar and Grill and loved everything except the sweet potato fries. Food was tasty and the portions were large.