Lewis Peak by Barlow Pass via Mountain Loop Highway / 路易斯峯

  • Reading time:8 mins read

Lewis Peak stands atop Barlow Pass by South Fork Stillaguamish River. Its 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.

Lewis Peak high above
Lewis Peak high above

See more trip photos here.

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

Besides 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. In recent years, the two known deaths made me uneasy about bringing him along.

A glimpse of Sperry at the start
A glimpse of Sperry at the start

See more trip photos here.

Sunrise Mine Trailhead to Northwest Ridge

Climbing this peak meant getting to business from the start. Despite having a trail, I never used it. But it would’ve been great to hike the path for a bit! Right off the bat, I scrambled uphill from behind the restroom.

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.

Going through the brush
Going through the brush

See more trip photos here.

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!

Lewis Peak summit within reach
Lewis Peak summit within reach

See more trip photos here.

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 through the dense growth. Though, the vegetation would catch me should I slip.

Below the top
Below the top

See more trip photos here.

Lewis Peak Summit Views

Such gorgeous views this summit had! Del Campo Peak was right in my face. Plus, Morning Star Peak‘s impressive slab east face 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 simultaneously. They merged at the highway’s sharp bend–Barlow Pass. Then there was the direct sighting of Sheep Mountain to the northeast.

South Fork Stillaguamish River Valley lineup
South Fork Stillaguamish River Valley lineup

See more trip photos here.

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.

Larry Ingalls memorial
Larry Ingalls memorial

See more trip photos here.

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