Lewis Peak stands above Barlow Pass at the head of South Fork Stillaguamish River. The peak’s short stature also makes it the vantage point for the dramatic scenes off Mountain Loop Highway. Its famous neighbors include Del Campo Peak and Morning Star Peak.
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Lewis Peak at a Glance
Access: Sunrise Mine Trailhead
Round Trip: 5 miles
Elevation Range: 2320′-5608′
Gear: helmet
Route Info: Andy Dewey
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: no
The Preface
Other than the detailed write-up on SummitPost, I couldn’t find much information on Lewis Peak. The high point isn’t obscure by any means. But the very few recorded ascents had me think twice about climbing it.
The yellow pup got his exercise up on Higher Squire yesterday. So I could climb Lewis Peak alone today. The two known deaths in recent years made me uneasy about bringing him along.
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Sunrise Mine Trailhead to Northwest Ridge
Climbing this peak meant getting down to business from the start. Despite having a trail, I never got to use it. So right off the bat, I scrambled from behind the restroom. But it would’ve been great to hike the path for a bit!
Going onto the northwest ridge was no easy task. But I needed to cross the stream before I went up too high. Then I swam my way through devils club and down trees. Later I looked for a spot to bypass the cliffs at the bottom.
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Lewis Peak Northwest Ridge
Once I went onto the ridge, more brush and dense growth awaited. The steep ridgeline certainly made up for its short distance up to the top. Views were spotty in the trees in the lower forest.
Later the crest narrowed and turned rocky. Then I moved to the right of the ridgeline. But at times, I was curious about the steep terrain. So I would poke my head out to see the exposure along the east face. Eek!
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Northwest Ridgeline Traverse
When the summit came into view, the west side steepened. Soon, the crumbly ledges covered the terrain. Then it was more comfortable to bypass the sharp ridge crest from the east. There I followed a faint trail.
Below the top, the east face went from steep to vertical drop-offs. So I moved to the west. But the dense growth was tough to go through. Though, the vegetation would cover me should I slip.
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Lewis Peak Summit Views
Such gorgeous views this summit had! Del Campo Peak was right in my face. Plus, the impressive slab east face of Morning Star Peak was right across the basin. This summit was hands down, the best vantage point off the highway.
It was refreshing to see South Fork Stillaguamish River Valley and South Fork Sauk River Valley at the same time. They merged at the highway’s sharp bend–Barlow Pass. Then there was the direct sighting of Sheep Mountain to the northeast.
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Outro
Now it made sense why this peak doesn’t see many visitors. While the views were excellent, it was not for the faint of heart! I steered clear from the steep north and east sides. Then I spent most of my time next to a plaque in memory of a man who passed here.
Soon, I made it back down to the bottom of the ridge before it became black. Then I scrambled the rest of the way back to the trailhead.
See more trip photos here.