Alpine Scramble - Three Way Peak

We scrambled Threeway, Silver King and Yakima from Chinook Pass (trailhead is 1/4 mile east of the pedestrian overpass at the true summit).

THREE-WAY:

Read earlier trip reports for good descriptions of how to reach the summit from the PCT.  The one thing I would add is that it is easiest to ascend the northeast ridge if you head up it about 50 feet before reaching col to the northeast of the summit.  In my opinion, the technical rating of “5” is too high.  I would only give this a “3”.  The only dangerous part is a narrow step just before the summit, but everybody in my group walked across it without even using their hands.  I think any brand new student, if they take off their pack could be lead across it without much fear.  Note that the summit can only hold about 5 people, but there is lots of room just to the east of it.

SILVER KING:

After Threeway, we returned to the PCT, walked south a few hundred yards and then headed west across a low point in the southwest ridge of Threeway, then dropped down toward the trail that goes down to Crystal Lakes and then ascended mostly open slopes to Silver King.  This route was very pleasant. The views from Silver King are great.  5 volcanos and everything in between.  Folks that had not skied at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort enjoyed the view north and seeing the chairlifts and operating gondola.

YAKIMA:

After returning to the cars, some folks drove home.  Others of us, ascended Yakima Peak.  The route is to head north on the PCT (again), and after about 50 yards, make the FIRST left turn straight up the hill.  The junction is marked “keep out – vegetation repair”.  Try to step softly.  Follow the trail up to the ridge, head straight south toward the summit, then around 5800’ traverse west below the cliffs 100 yards to the huge gulley.  Ascend the gulley to the top and turn left.  Bash through some trees to a very nice summit.