Cathedral Rock - Deception Pass Loop
This classic backpack route tours the Cle Elum Valley, from the heights of Cathedral Pass to the shores of Hyas Lake on the valley floor. Camp near alpine lakes, ford snow-melt driven creeks and wander through wildflower-filled meadowlands on this approachable and enjoyable wilderness adventure.
Total Distance: 13.4 miles
Total Ascent: 2800ft
Highest Point: 5500ft
Total Ascent: 2800ft
Highest Point: 5500ft
From I-90 East take Exit 80. Head left/north over the freeway following Bullfrog Road 2.8 miles to the traffic circle junction with SR 903. Follow SR 903 16.6 miles through Roslyn and along Cle Elum Lake to FR 4330 just beyond the Salmon La Sac guard station. Veer right, avoiding the campground and continuing onto the dirt and gravel FR 4330 for 12.3 miles to the Cathedral Pass Trailhead. Privy available. View Google Directions >>
While this loop can be done in either direction, the grade is steepest on the stretch of trail from Tucquala Meadows up to Cathedral Pass. By beginning along the Cathedral Pass Trail, you can attack the elevation early and spend most of your hiking time gently descending back down to the meadows. Plus, by looping clockwise, you have the option of camping in the high country rather than being limited to spending the night somewhere along Hyas Lake.
Begin by following the Cathedral Pass Trail #1345 as it leads away from the waving grasses of Tucquala Meadows over the Cle Elum River. Wide and nearly flat, the route heads straight for the ridgewall, where it becomes more trail-like as it switchbacks up the slope. Cross into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness at 0.4 mile and reach the junction with the Trail Creek Trail #1322 at the 2.0-mile mark. Continue along the Cathedral Pass Trail for another 0.7 miles as it again steepens before delivering you to Squaw Lake.
The trail continues past the lake, beginning a long, rocky traverse up to Cathedral Pass. Reach the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 (PCT) at the 4.2-mile mark. There is decent camping at the large unnamed tarn located a few hundred feet before the PCT junction or press up and over the pass to Peggy's Pond about .4 further down the trail. From the signed junction with the Peggy’s Pond Trail #1375 it’s a somewhat difficult 0.6-mile traverse on primitive trail to the lake.
From the PCT junction, the trail wanders the high bluffs at the base of Cathedral Rock. The main challenge will be the two creek fords that need to be navigated. Signs at either end of this stretch of trail warn that these fords can be dangerous and when the waters are high, they should be avoided. Reach the first creek at the 6.0-mile mark, and Daniel Creek at 7.2 miles.
Beyond Daniel Creek, soon arrive at Deception Pass and the junction with the Deception Pass Trail #1367. Veer off the PCT and follow the Deception Pass Trail as it heads down toward Hyas Lake and begins the long trek back to the trailhead. In 0.5 miles, pass the Robin Lakes Trail #1376.1 and continue to descend through dense forest to Little Hyas Lake. From here the well-trodden trail glides through the trees, passing numerous opportunities to go out to the water for a break to take in the landscape. Leave the water and it is 2.0 miles to the parking area through second growth forest and wildflower-filled meadows. There's a lot more to Cathedral Rock Loop, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
Begin by following the Cathedral Pass Trail #1345 as it leads away from the waving grasses of Tucquala Meadows over the Cle Elum River. Wide and nearly flat, the route heads straight for the ridgewall, where it becomes more trail-like as it switchbacks up the slope. Cross into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness at 0.4 mile and reach the junction with the Trail Creek Trail #1322 at the 2.0-mile mark. Continue along the Cathedral Pass Trail for another 0.7 miles as it again steepens before delivering you to Squaw Lake.
The trail continues past the lake, beginning a long, rocky traverse up to Cathedral Pass. Reach the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 (PCT) at the 4.2-mile mark. There is decent camping at the large unnamed tarn located a few hundred feet before the PCT junction or press up and over the pass to Peggy's Pond about .4 further down the trail. From the signed junction with the Peggy’s Pond Trail #1375 it’s a somewhat difficult 0.6-mile traverse on primitive trail to the lake.
From the PCT junction, the trail wanders the high bluffs at the base of Cathedral Rock. The main challenge will be the two creek fords that need to be navigated. Signs at either end of this stretch of trail warn that these fords can be dangerous and when the waters are high, they should be avoided. Reach the first creek at the 6.0-mile mark, and Daniel Creek at 7.2 miles.
Beyond Daniel Creek, soon arrive at Deception Pass and the junction with the Deception Pass Trail #1367. Veer off the PCT and follow the Deception Pass Trail as it heads down toward Hyas Lake and begins the long trek back to the trailhead. In 0.5 miles, pass the Robin Lakes Trail #1376.1 and continue to descend through dense forest to Little Hyas Lake. From here the well-trodden trail glides through the trees, passing numerous opportunities to go out to the water for a break to take in the landscape. Leave the water and it is 2.0 miles to the parking area through second growth forest and wildflower-filled meadows. There's a lot more to Cathedral Rock Loop, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
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