Peggy's Pond

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Peggy's Pond is accessed by this rough side trail from Cathedral Pass on the PCT. The shortest way from a road is via the Cathedral Rock trail. From Cathedral Pass, Peggy's Pond trail traverses the Southwest side of Cathedral Rock. The trail is short and relatively flat in terms of total elevation gain, but is steep and rough in places, including immediately after it branches off from the PCT. Most of the trail is across open scree and talus slopes with great views of Deep Lake below, then returns to the woods, past a few logs remaining from an old cabin, and then to Peggy's Pond itself, which is surrounded by huckleberry meadows and several campsites. Continuing West from Peggy's Pond are numerous informal trails leading to the Hyas Glacier, Mount Daniel, and Circle Lake.

Driving Directions:

From Seattle drive east on I-90 to take exit 80 (signed "Roslyn/Salmon la Sac"). Head north on Salmon la Sac Road (State Route 903) about 15 miles, passing through Roslyn and past Cle Elum Lake to Salmon la Sac. Go right at the Y to stay on the main road (rather than entering the campground), and continue up the Cle Elum Valley Road (FS 4330) to near the end of the road. Just before entering the Tucquala Meadow Campground, turn left into a wide trailhead parking lot.

Recent Trip Reports

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There are 56 trip reports for this hike. See all trip reports for this hike.

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Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section J - Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass - East, Waptus River, Peggy's Pond, Deception Pass, Icicle Creek, Cathedral Rock, Waptus Horse Ford — Aug 07, 2011 — Kirk_A

Multi-night backpack

Features: Wildflowers blooming

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Notes; 12 person (8 boys, 4 adults) Boy Scout troop out of Issaquah. GPS & gaiters highly advised as there...

Notes; 12 person (8 boys, 4 adults) Boy Scout troop out of Issaquah. GPS & gaiters highly advised as there are long sections of the PCT Tr 2000 are under snow, most north slope/shadowed areas have snow, in some areas the snow was 10'+ ft deep. Plan on snow at elevations above 5000'. Lots of downed trees to scramble under/over from Stevens to almost Waptus Lk. Unless noted, PCT Tr 2000 is what is being reported

Day 1; Started at Stevens pass on 7 Aug, trail through far side of ski resort good, (down trees in resort) , lost trail in snow just beyond power lines, found trail intermittently on traverse to Lk Susan Jane, on climb up to junction with Tr 1551 more patches snow. Spent night at Josephine Lk, mosquitoes bad, toilet needs maintenance (still usable), lake water temp cool

Day 2; Josephine Lk to Glacier Lk, left Josephine @ 0845, and back on PCT at 0930, was in snow with in 200yds, using GPS, found very short (1 - 100 yds) sections of trail exposed. At pass above Swimming Deer Lk caught up with British ROTC group that was turning back due to trail conditions and inadequate equipment. Snow on trail until Mig Lk. Trail stayed clear except a few spots above Trap Lk, those spots were really bad as they were in avalanche chutes that were hundreds of feet down and stopped in boulder fields. Arrived at 1800hrs, all were really tired, Glacier Lk still had ice floating in it, tent locations were small/scarce due to snow on all flat areas. Mosquitoes bad, very damp location... No toilet

Day 3; Glacier Lk to Hyas Lk (Bypassed Deception Pass to Cathedral Rock section due to resupply stop at Tucquala Meadows trailhead) Started on trail @ 0900, lots of snow once out of boulder fields and at base of Pieper pass climb, trail is spotty than just disappears part way up, had to scramble/bushwack for 2/3's of the way up due to steep snow. Once on Pieper pass summit and down to Hyas Lk just patches to cross. Arrived Hyas Lk at 1600hrs. Used camp sites in mid lake, Mosquitoes OK, toilet in good condition

Day 4; Hyas Lk to resupply at Tucquala Meadows trailhead, than to Peggys Pond. Left Hyas at 0900, did resupply, started up Tr 1345 at 1100. Passed FS maintenance crew clearing downed trees part way up switch backs, they mentioned that most trails around Waptus Lk were cleared but the PCT into Snoqualmie still had lots of downed trees and snow crossings that needed ice axes and crampons. Did lunch at Squaw Lk, than continued on to Peggys Pond. The trail (Tr 1375) to Peggys Pond is really a mt goat trail... If you follow the well-used trail you will most likely miss where you should start a uphill route going directly to Peggys. If you missed the "Y" and continue you'll find yourself at a small pond. From the looks of the trail, most people think this is Peggys and turn around and head back, if you head uphill from this pond you will find Peggys Pond (really a sm lake), area was mostly covered in snow from lower pond to Peggys. Later in the night the wind really blew through and was clouded/cold/damp in the morning. Figured out that as soon as we got out from between Mt Daniel and Cathedral Rock the clouds cleared... Mosquitoes OK, south toilet has been disassembled(?), found where it had been (hole is filled in), a few boards now lean against nearby tree, north toilet usable

Day 5; Peggys Pond to Waptus Lk. Once back on PCT it was a now normal hike with some downed trees to cross. Had a stream fording near Deep Lk that went well, thought the mosquitoes were going to carry off our smallest scout... really bad... Turned off the PCT at Tr 1310.1, had a pleasant night at the south end of Waptus Lk, few mosquitoes, some flies that bite, toilet in good condition.

Day 6; Waptus Lk to Salmon La Sac via Tr 1329.1 to Tr 1310. Waptus river ford on Tr 1329.1 was above the knee deep. Hike into Salmon La Sac was uneventful... 5 nights, 5 & 1/2 days, 54 +/- miles

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Peggy's Pond — Oct 15, 2010 — MachoMtMatt

Overnight

Features: Fall foliage

Issues: Mudholes | Water on trail | Snow on trail

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After my friend picked me up from work, we headed to the TH and arrived there about 5pm. Left TH...

After my friend picked me up from work, we headed to the TH and arrived there about 5pm. Left TH about 5:20pm working our way up the trail quickly to Squaw Lake. Continuing up, we soon had to don our headlamps in the meadows just south of Cathedral Rock. Cathedral Rock is amazing.
In these meadows, there was some snow on the ground, not amounting to any more than an inch or so, nor was it fully covering the ground. The dusting of snow made the hike even more scenic.
In the dark, we headed west at the junction with the PCT. Through Cathedral Pass we soon found the spur trail to Peggys Pond.
While there were a few tricky spots along this trail below Cathedral Rock, it wasn't overly difficult. Following the trail further brought us to Peggys Pond.
We found a site partially snow covered and set up camp and ate dinner before crawling into our tent and watching the movie "8 Below" on my friends Ipod. Seeing the cold of Antarctica made our 25-30 degree night a little more tolerable.

Next morning, with the most beautiful weather you could possibly have in mid October, we set out to climb Mt. Daniel. Not having any special climbing equipment, we set out on the SE Ridge to see how far we could comfortably go. We enjoyed fantastic views of Mt. Stuart, Deep Lake, Circle Lake, Spade Lake, Shovel Lake, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier and Glacier Peak, amongst a vast array of mountains and ridges. At about 7530', my friend began a scramble up a tricky section. Part way up, he turned toward me (waiting until he found a spot to stop to avoid rock fall) and told me what the condition of the route was. Just then, a few decent sized chunks of rock broke loose suddenly from about 50 feet above him. I yelled "Eddie, behind you!" just in time for him to notice and scurry aside several feet before the rocks slid through the spot he was standing at. A look at the time and dangerous conditions present (freeze thaw cycle) helped us make the wise decision to turn back to camp.
Coming down the upper part of the ridge was difficult, and at times dangerous and exposed. Significant caution was required, but we safely navigated down to the easier portion of the ridge.
We broke camp, and headed back to the TH arriving just as it was getting dark again. All in all, the hike to Peggys Pond is phenomenal. The hike up the ridge, at least part way, is very do able for fit hikers and well worth it for the views. Beyond the 7200' level though, exercise severe caution. Might not have another chance this year to go, but put it on the list for next year.

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Peggy's Pond, Cathedral Rock — Sep 10, 2010 — dadn

Day hike

Issues: Mudholes

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I Tried to escape the rain and drizzle of Seattle by going east of the mountains. Yes, it was...

I Tried to escape the rain and drizzle of Seattle by going east of the mountains. Yes, it was raining at the pass, but the trail weather to Peggy’s Pond and back was rain/drizzle free! The last 12 miles of road to the trailhead are actually more like 14 miles due to your zig-zagging across the road to avoid the potholes and some huge ponds in the road. The trail was in ok shape but quite muddy from the recent rains and horses. No berries left for treats but I know they were there earlier from all the purple spots on the rocks. Fall colors are just beginning. The hike through the meadow and tarns beneath Cathedral Rock is beautiful. View of mountains from Cathedral Pass and beyond was cut off by low clouds, but a couple times I got a sneak view of Mt Daniel(?) and some remaining snow fields. I met 2 hikers on the pass who had spent 3 days backpacking, and were on the way out and really looking forward to having dry socks on again… they said it rained the entire trip. The trail to Peggy’s Pond is worth the effort .. even though as previous reports say, it has some steep parts and in one place you need to use your hands. Lunch at the Pond was wonderful..nobody there, the sun came out for 15 minutes, and peace. On the way out there were 3 overnight groups headed up. I heard gun shots across the valley..guess I should have worn bright colors? My GPS said about 10.5 miles RT and 3000’ elevation gain (includes some wandering with Peggy). Great hike out of the rain!

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Peggy's Pond — Sep 14, 2009 — FaireduSnow

Multi-night backpack

Features: Ripe berries

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Trip was a success. Hiked to Peggy's Pond Monday, summitted Mount Daniel Tuesday, hiked out Wednesday. Perfect weather, good time...

Trip was a success. Hiked to Peggy's Pond Monday, summitted Mount Daniel Tuesday, hiked out Wednesday. Perfect weather, good time to go. Bugs only a minor nuisance.

Lost: 1 pair of Black Diamond flik-lock aluminum trekking poles, leaned up against truck in parking lot and forgotten. If found, please reply to daviduffy1@gmail.com - my gf would prefer not to have to buy a new pair.

Full review at:
http://daviduffy.wordpress.com/[…]/

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Peggy's Pond — Aug 08, 2009 — mvanderbilt

Overnight

Features: Wildflowers blooming

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Our party climbed Mount Daniel with an overnight at Peggy's Pond. Earlier trip reports emphasized the extreme problems with mosquitoes....

Our party climbed Mount Daniel with an overnight at Peggy's Pond. Earlier trip reports emphasized the extreme problems with mosquitoes. I'm writing this to report that on the entire walk into Peggy's Pond, and the full next day up to Mt Daniel and out we saw at most 2 mosquitoes. Our second day was quite windy which helped, but the first day was not. Something (a cold night?) happened recently to drastically reduce the mosquito population.

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