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Trip Report    

Winter Scramble - Change Peak

A warm, rainy scramble with intermittent snow and a very brushy north ridge ascent. Efficient travel, straightforward route-finding, and a sheltered summit made for a solid outing despite wet conditions and limited views.

Michelle Peterson Michelle Peterson
February 01, 2026
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • The pit toilet at the trailhead is open, clean, and stocked.

    The trail up to the turnoff has a few minor blowdowns, all easy to step over or around. The trail was not underwater anywhere along this section. At the junction, the route follows old logging roads and is generally easy to follow. KIMG20260201_094456809.JPG

    Intermittent snow begins around 3,600 ft. Snow depth was shallow, rarely above ankle height, and no traction was needed. The scramble from the north to the summit is mostly snow-free but involves sections of dense brush and light bushwhacking.

    The summit has limited to no views but is relatively sheltered from wind and weather and makes a reasonable place to pause for food and clothing adjustments. The route from the summit to the south ridge follows a well-defined boot path and is extremely easy to follow.

We were boots on trail at 7:45 AM in a steady rain on a warm morning. Driving and parking were straightforward, and the trailhead pit toilet was open, clean, and stocked.

We reached the turnoff signed “Great Wall of Washington” in about 1 hour and 15 minutes and took a short 10-minute break tucked under trees. From there, the old road bed was very easy to follow. KIMG20260201_114600097.JPG

At the junction with the north ridge scramble, we paused for a group decision: enter the bushwhack or continue southeast on the road bed. The entire group opted for the bushwhack—appropriately so, as it was very schwacky. We stayed mostly right on the ridge crest or just to the east of it, reaching the high point around 10:40 AM. KIMG20260201_100956757.JPG

Conditions near the top included a light breeze and persistent rain, and everyone was thoroughly wet by that point. The summit itself had no views due to low clouds but was somewhat sheltered, making it a reasonable spot for a quick 10-minute snack and clothing check. KIMG20260201_104405965.JPGKIMG20260201_104354405.JPGWe then descended via the south ridge, following a clear boot path back to the old road bed.

On the return, we stopped briefly for additional clothing adjustments and otherwise moved efficiently the entire way. Rain eased during the descent, and clouds lifted just enough to offer partial views of Olallie State Park and Mailbox Peak.

We arrived back at the trailhead just before 1:00 PM. By then, the parking area had filled, and a park ranger was present, checking vehicles and speaking with hikers.

Gear Notes

  • Some did, some didn't find trekking poles useful throughout.

  • Microspikes were carried but not needed.

  • A dry change of clothes waiting in the car was fantastic after a wet morning.