Coleman Peak, situated near North Twentymile Peak, rises within the vast Pasayten Wilderness near the Canadian border. Other distinct high points in the vicinity include Remmel Mountain and Windy Peak. While the area is known for recreation today, it also attracted mining operations, including the Tungsten Mine on Wolframite Mountain, in the early 1900s.
See more trip photos here.
Coleman Peak at a Glance
Environs = Kay Peak + Reed Peak + Cal Peak + Coleman Ridge
周圍地區=凱峯+瑞德峯+卡爾峯+科爾曼脊
Access: Andrews Creek Trailhead
Round Trip: 27 miles
Elevation Range: 3040′-7690′
Essential Gear: helmet
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: with guidance
Playlist: Keep Moving
Friday, June 7
Overview > Day 1 > Day 2 > Day 3
Kay Peak + Coleman Peak + Reed Peak + Meadow Lake Camp
Ascending a Hidden Trail to Coleman Peak
The dog and I started on the well-beaten Andrews Creek Trail before taking a somewhat hidden path near the trailhead. A small cairn marked the inconspicuous turn-off for Little Andrews Creek Trail, which seemed less defined. The lower trail was faint and dotted with deer tracks, guiding us through the nearly invisible passage. Soon, the path became more defined as it climbed, and views expanded with every step.
Past a flat viewpoint with an old fire pit, the mild incline took us above a deep gorge. We missed the tight, brushy switchbacks twice before retracing our steps to rediscover the elusive trail. Meanwhile, the ridge remained dry until we reached the first stream around 5100 feet. After a break, we pieced together flagged sections while ascending another 300 feet until the path eventually faded near Little Andrews Creek.
Navigating the 2003 Farewell Fire Burn
Beyond the end of the trail, the real challenge began as we went cross-country through the upper basin. This area was a massive graveyard of windfalls from the two-decade-old Farewell Fire. Most debris sat above my knee level, creating a nonstop pole-vaulting course of downed timber. The dog could easily walk underneath most of it, but I had to step over or connect larger logs constantly. Eventually, we found relief from the massive logs above 7000 feet on the south ridge of Kay Peak.
Soon, expansive views from the high point atop a partly snowy cirque motivated us to continue. Following the wooded, rocky ridgeline north, we summited Coleman Peak for more vistas before traversing southwest toward Reed Peak. Descending the north basin, we navigated tree debris and snow over the wetland toward Meadow Lake. After dark, the frogs’ deafening croaks by the south shore suggested a boggy pond. So, after a long day, a flat area amidst the rubble was the ideal place to stop.
Saturday, June 8
Overview > Day 1 > Day 2 > Day 3
Peak 6824 + Vic Meadow + Cal Peak + Coleman Ridge Camp
Coleman Ridge Trail to Vic Meadow
From west of the serene Meadow Lake, we headed east through more tree debris to relocate the trail near the ridgetop. This part was the most enjoyable traverse of the trip, guided by many helpful cairns. Meanwhile, the nearly flat top consistently offered stunning views of Remmel Mountain and Coleman Peak at every turn. The clear path continued over two smaller peaks before dropping steeply into the lush Vic Meadow.
More windfalls awaited as we descended 700 feet into the beautiful, secluded meadow with winding streams. We soon headed north and bypassed massive, crisscrossing logs through the streams up to the saddle. The tree litter covered the entire ridgeline and continued downhill until we crossed Fire Creek. An open space there provided another excellent campsite. It was also the last glimpse of a defined trail until we reached Andrews Creek the following day.
A Grueling Summit Push to Cal Peak
After weaving through some cut trees, we began another slow, terrible fight up Cal Peak’s south ridge. An obscene and demoralizing amount of debris has choked the route, making progress slow and arduous. The terrain certainly tested our patience as we both scrambled over and under a seemingly endless maze of fallen timber. It was a true test of endurance and route-finding through the burn scar.
However, the debris slowly dwindled past 7200 feet, making the final stretch somewhat enjoyable. We then pushed onward over the semi-snowy ridgetop to the half-wooded summit, feeling a sense of accomplishment. The laborious climb only made the solitude and this quiet summit feel more satisfying and well-deserved. So far, we had contended with the aftermath of the worst of the historic fire, but were now rewarded with vistas.
High Ridge Traverse to Coleman Ridge
Traversing the ridgeline to the Coleman Ridge high point wasn’t as terrible as I had imagined. Most of the fallen trees were now below us, offering a much smoother and more efficient travel. We followed dry rocks along the south fringe of the crest to avoid lingering snow and to conserve energy. Soon, we reached the bouldered Point 7515, a reprieve to survey the route ahead. From there, we resumed our westbound traverse.
We hugged the crest to our final destination, enjoying stunning sights of Washington’s highest peaks en route. Reaching past the snow line at 7400 feet, the picturesque landscape from the broad summit beckoned us to stay. We humbly accepted the offer and, in turn, avoided more tree debris down to the Andrews Creek Trail today. Besides, Connor was more than happy to snooze in the evening light until the following day.
Sunday, June 9
Overview > Day 1 > Day 2 > Day 3
Andrews Creek Trail + Exit
Concluding Coleman Peak Adventure
The next morning, we walked south to a steep rib while scoping out the path of least resistance. After dropping 200 feet, we were back on dry ground. After more time contending with tree litter among the new growth, we returned to the Andrews Creek Trail. I counted only three downed trees on the main path, thanks to efforts from the recent trail crew. We took cover under the conifers when the heavy rain unexpectedly arrived at noon, earlier than expected.
The rain subsided after about an hour. Then two flooded water crossings required careful rock hopping as Connor gleefully waded through. The raging Little Andrews Creek was our final obstacle before ending the trip. However, crossing using the large, stable rocks was manageable without issues. Soon, we enjoyed a smooth drive out on the clear West Chewuch Road, an effortless finish to our three-day adventure.
