Circle Peak — Monday, Sep. 15, 2025

A low clearance vehicle could make it but the higher clearance, the better. There were four vehicles at the trailhead when I got there around 12:30pm and they were all jeeps or trucks. The only people I saw were a group of backpackers who started right before I did.

My apple watch measured 2.2 miles and 1800 feet of gain. The trail is soft dirt tread the whole way and felt very manageable. Blueberries are blown out in the first half mile but improve in quality as you go, and there are still bazillions of them. Mushrooms are starting to sprout too! Marmots were whistling nonstop as I hiked the final couple of switchbacks but went silent when I got on the ridge. I only saw one that quickly disappeared into the rocks.

The trail turns to rock and narrows significantly with great exposure between the peak and the true summit. There’s a big rock that requires skirting around to the left on the closest I’ve ever come to a knife’s edge, so I ditched my poles to use my hands for balance. Then I scooted down on my butt where the trail turns back to dirt and dips down for a few of steps before stepping back up. The true summit is wide and flat with space for a bivvy or two. 360 views with the mountain loop highway behind you and the north cascades in front. I’m sure the view of Glacier Peak is stunning but it was blocked by clouds today.

Made it back to the car around 3:45. Depending on where you’re coming from, the drive one-way could take longer than the hike round trip.

Mr. Roderick Latham is still missing after leaving his truck in the snow up these roads and vanishing without a trace coming up on three years ago. I pray he is found and always remembered.