Trip Report
Tunnel Creek trail to Valhalla Peak
Beautiful winter hike through a lush green forest to awesome views!
Nancy Lloyd
- Sat, Nov 30, 2019
- Tunnel Creek
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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This was a fun non-Mountaineers trip with Mountaineers on a gorgeous, cold winter day. It is a wonderful destination and well worth the long drive. The road to Tunnel Creek trailhead is surprisingly good with several potholes that are easy to get around. Thanks to WTA volunteers, the trail to 5050 pass is in great condition. There were a few slippery ice patches above the shelter that were easy to navigate, some thin layers of snow, but spikes were not needed. No snow up to Valhalla Peak summit. Clear weather gave us fantastic views all around, especially of Mt. Constance. Also visible were Mts. Baker, Rainier, and Adams along with Glacier Peak and the N. Cascades. The Seattle skyscrapers were also clearly seen.
Valhalla Peak is known as Harrison Peak on peakbagger.com. Summit shot:
Frozen Harrison Lake (shallow end) with Valhalla Peak in the background:
No trailhead facilities. Lots of moss and lichen along the trail, very tall trees. Most elevation gain is above the shelter to the peak. RT mileage estimated at 8, el. gain 2,900'.