Davis Peak Trail #1324
This trail accesses Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and climbs continuously to a former fire lookout site.
Setting: Large old-growth trees, open hillsides, ridgetop, mountaintop, cliffs, river, subalpine zone, meadows, brushy area.
Davis Peak Trail descends to a bridge crossing the Cle Elum River and then begins a steady ascent with one small descent near the top of Davis Peak. The trail has over 90 switchbacks. At Davis Peak the trail changes to a hiker-only primitive trail that leads to a overlook of Terence Lake. This hiker portion of the trail was used by the lookout person to check for fires in the Waptus drainage. The trail is in good condition, but is a very steady uphill pull.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Bridge across Cle Elum River is closed to stock. |
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Operational Hours: | May - October |
Permit Info: | Self-issued Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit required, available at trailhead. |
Open Season: | Summer - Fall |
Best Season: | Summer |
Busiest Season: | Summer |
Restrictions: | Motorized and mechanized use prohibited. Bridge is close to stock (horses, mules, etc) due to weight limitations. |
Closest Towns: | Cle Elum, Roslyn |
General Information
Directions:From I-90 Exit 80, go north through Roslyn on Highway 903 to Lake Cle Elum, then along the lake to the end of the county road at Salmon La Sac. Continue on FS Road 4330 for 2 miles to the trailhead on the left.
Parking:
This trailhead also serves Paris Creek Trail 1391.1. There is parking for 10+ vehicles and a stock ramp. No toilets. Another lot for the trails exists about 0.25 mile down the short spur road toward the river.
Activities
Day Hiking
Long and arduous hike to great views at the former lookout site and continuing with a final scramble to Davis Peak.
Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
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Backpacking
Dry open trail climbing nearly 4000 vertical feet. May have water in basin below lookout site until late August.
Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
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Horse Riding
The Davis Peak Trail is currently closed to stock. The trail bridge is a safety hazard for stock and will be closed to stock until it can be fixed.
Although dry and arduous, tread is in good shape for riding, views begin early and continue to expand with altitude.