Peak 4080 by Mount Transistor is southwest of Lion Rock on Table Mountain. To its north lies Flag Mountain in the peaceful community of Liberty. Then to the direct west spans the vast Teanaway Backcountry.
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Peak 4080 at a Glance
Access: NF-3506
Round Trip: 6.1 miles
Elevation Range: 2240′-3942′
Gear: none
Route Info: Scott Rice
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: yes
The Preface
I’ve stared at Peak 4080’s long ridgeline many times when I drove past. It’s one of the three peaks in Washington State of the same name. I only looked into it after last week since I generally go for named high points.
Of the five numbered peaks along the ridge, Peak 4080 is the tallest. Four sit above 4000′ while the middle three are close in height. Without looking at the map, it’s tough to tell the highest one when viewed from the south.
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South Route
Like last week, we started from the gate before First Creek. But instead of continuing down and over the bridge, we turned left onto the grassy roadway at the fork. Using Scott’s track, we later left the road by the knoll at 2750′.
For the next 1250′, we went straight up the minor ridge through the open forest. The incline steepened as the grass gave way to the sand below the ridgetop. Soon, we were above the trees with views of Teanaway.
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Ridge Traverse to Peak 4080
We reached the ridgetop at 4000′ with views on both sides, even with the trees. I saw parts of Stuart Range and a few Teanaway peaks to the north. Soon, we traversed northwest over the rolling and initially rocky crest.
Before long, we were out in the clearing by Peak 4061. Then we went around the rock tower from the north down to the saddle. Soon, we went back into the forest and walked over the next two minor ridge bumps.
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The Final Stretch
Windfalls started showing up as the ridgeline veered southeast. After zigzagging through most logs, we unexpectedly came upon a dirt path that ended atop the next bump. Then another road showed up on the south saddle.
We took the road around the east of the next knob. Then we left the path before diving into more down trees and went up to the saddle. Soon, we made the final stretch over the open ridge to the rocky platform.
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Peak 4080 Summit Views
The top didn’t come with panoramic views, but I could still see nearby ridges through the trees. The only big opening faced the southeast toward Swauk Prairie. Table Mountain with Lion Rock was also visible to the east.
We would’ve had a better view of Navaho Peak and Three Brothers if it weren’t for the mists. But I did get a peek of Argonaut Peak and The Temple at one point. I decided to extend the trip by going farther east toward Peak 4017.
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Outro
We soon crossed the brushy gully to the bump south of Peak 4017. Then we dropped onto the south ridge and bypassed a few outcrops from the east. Before reaching the road at 2800′, I heard pounding sounds nearby.
I saw two people across the gully but wasn’t sure what they were digging. After chatting with some folks walking in with shovels and hammers, I learned that it’s a popular spot for rockhounding. Who knew?!
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