The Scorpion Kings - Scorpion Mountain, 7.24.21
It had been eleven months since Neighbor Greg and I did a hike together so I was thrilled when he called me suggesting a hike today. Our destination was the summit of Scorpion Mountain. We’ve both known about this peak for many years and had just never gotten around to going. Scorpion Mountain is located in a fairly recent designated wilderness area called Wild Sky Wilderness which was only created in 2008. It is a very strategic area located north of Highway 2 with numerous trails leading to ample views both north and south. Being a weekend day, I was pleasantly surprised to only see four other vehicles at the trailhead at 8:30AM. The trail itself was a joy. After a bit of a steep climb in the first mile, the route then followed the top of a spiny ridge, gradually working its way up to the top of Sunrise Peak.
Neighbor Greg and me entering the Wild Sky Wilderness
At roughly the two mile mark we topped out on Sunrise Peak with views beginning to pop up both to the north and south. Soon we descended a steep hill (which always feels steeper going up on the way back!) before once again climbing along the flank of Scorpion Mountain. In short order we popped out of the woods and traversed a gorgeous hillside meadow exploding with flowers with more and more peaks coming into view with each step.
Coming out of the forest into the high meadows. Mount Baring, Merchant Peak and Mount Townsend in the distance.
On the far side of the meadow we attained the ridge again and now we could see the lovely Joan Lake about five hundred feet below us. Rather than drop down to the lake, we opted to follow the trail up to the summit of Scorpion Mountain.
Joan Lake
Final pitch to the top
At the top we were greeted by several voracious mosquitos. I may die someday from exposure to 100% Deet but at least I’ll die with no bugs on me! Once we addressed the skeeters it was time for lunch. The Deet did its job nicely so we were able to relax in a shady spot, get a bite to eat and ponder the views. We’ve climbed a whole lot of peaks in the North Cascades and one of the more enjoyable things to do on a summit is to identify as many peaks in our line of sight as possible. On this day we had peaks in every direction. The vast majority we knew. Adding to the fun is that I find it fascinating to see a peak from numerous different angles and since we had never been on top of Scorpion Mountain it provided some unique views of peaks we were familiar with from other trips.
Glacier Peak, one of the great five volcanoes in Washington Stat
Part of the Monte Cristo Group. From left to right: Columbia Peak, Keyes Peak and Sloan Peak
Sloan Peak and Mt. Pugh. Sloan Peak is one of my favorites to spot from all sorts of different areas.
In addition to the knowledge we have gained over the years from maps and hikes, the Peakfinder app is just an incredibly great tool to have at our disposal. It works all over the country and even in Canada (maybe the world?).
A typical Peakfinder photo with labels imbedded
Glacier Peak with a foreground of False Hellebore (Cindy, aren’t you proud of me?).
Lemah Mountain in the Snoqualmie Peaks
Greg and I spent maybe an hour up on top taking pictures and enjoying the scenery before descending back to the trailhead. Overall it was around a nine mile hike with about 2,600’ of total elevation gain which was just right for what we were looking for on this fine summer day. For me, this might have been the last training hike before I embark on two back to back seven day backpack trips in August. I am extremely excited about both trips and keeping my fingers crossed that weather or wildfires don’t force us to alter our plans.