Mount Daniel, Cathedral Pass Loop, Peggy's Pond & Nosh Nosh Wahtum — Monday, Aug. 1, 2022

This trip report is a bit late, so I apologize in advance.

In brief:

Trail: Well defined and in good shape most of the way. There are some areas, particularly around Peggy's Pond, where there are numerous hikers trails - but it is fairly easy to navigate regardless. There are a few snowfields to cross en route to the summit.. and they are at a decent grade. 

Bugs: Not pleasant. My hiking partner was having issues with the heat on the way up, so we were traveling rather slowly past Peggy's Pond.  Despite numerous applications of bug spray, the mosquitoes were just terrible all the way up to the saddle below the East Peak.

Road: In good shape overall. Scatter Creek is running low and is passable for all vehicles (we did it in a Honda Fit).

Gear: Traction devices (axe, micro-spikes, poles, etc.) should be considered necessary for most hikers at this time. There are good steps kicked in, but I definitely had my axe out for the snow sections - just in case. Bring whatever gear you have to deal with mosquitoes - they are prevalent from the parking lot to about 0.5 miles from the East Peak Summit.

Full report:

The hike begins at the Cathedral Pass Trailhead, about 28 miles north of Cle Elum. The road is paved for all but 12 miles, and even the final 12 miles is very manageable for any sedan. The Cathedral Pass trail leads you up past multiple lakes, meadows, and a junction with the PCT.  The trail is well defined all the way to Peggy’s Pond. From the Pond, there are multiple hiker’s paths leading up towards Daniel - most of which culminate on the ridgeline.

From the trailhead, follow a well-defined trail that winds its way through the woods at a moderate incline. At approximately 2.5 miles, come along the first body of water (of many) called Squaw Lake. Not a particularly large lake, but the setting and ease of difficulty make it a worthwhile destination itself. Moving past the lake, continue the hike through the woods for another 0.8 miles until you reach Spinola Meadows (passing a running stream on the way that currently represents a good water source for filtered water). Enjoy views of Cathedral Rock while you continue your gradual ascent through the meadows. At 4.0 miles, reach an unnamed pond (camping for 1-2 groups possible) with great views of the surrounding area.

From the pond, there is a junction with the PCT. Keep to the left as the grade gradually increases, but remains fairly moderate until you reach Cathedral Pass at 4.25 miles. From the pass, descend roughly 100 vertical feet as you begin to skirt around the SE corner of Cathedral Rock. Views of Deep Lake in the valley below become consistent (The PCT cutoff will take you to Deep Lake if it of interest to your group). As you continue south and west around Cathedral Rock, you will have some light scrambling to deal with, before re-entering a wooded section of the trail. Keep in mind that there are multiple hikers trails in this area, all of which will ultimately lead to the summit.  Some will bypass Peggy’s Pond and some are more direct than others. However, they all generally end up on the Mount Daniel ridgeline eventually. If Peggy’s Pond is the destination (standard route), then follow the trail that continues to skirt around the base of Cathedral Rock. If you find yourself hiking away (west) from the rock, chances are you are on a side trail and will have to backtrack to get to Peggy's Pond.

At 5.25 miles, reach Peggy’s Pond. A popular camping location, not just for the lake itself, but for the large stream tumbling down the mountain northwest of it (good camping there as well). From Peggy’s Pond, the trail trends west and slightly north up an obvious ridgeline. When we climbed (late July) the ridge was mostly clear of snow until the traverse near the saddle (below the East Summit). The ridgeline ascent is very straightforward. Attempt to stay near the center of the ridge for most of the ascent, until you reach an area where continuing on the ridgeline would be perilous and an obvious snow traverse exists. The snow in this area tends to linger here late into the season (as it currently is) and the grade is moderate/steep at times. An ice axe and micro-spikes (crampons may be overkill for most) are recommended. At 6.85 miles (1.6 miles from the Pond) reach the saddle below the East Peak.

• If the East Peak is your goal, then the summit is approximately 0.2 miles and roughly 225 vertical feet above you. Some low level (Class 2-3) scrambling required. Stick to the east (right as you look at the summit) side of the ridge as you ascend the East Peak for the least technical route. The views from this peak rival any of the other peaks on the mountain.
• If the West Peak is the goal (or all 3 peaks), continue past the saddle heading N/NW along the base of the East Peak above a moderately steep runoff. An obvious (and semi-flat) ridgeline connects to a high point between the East and West Peaks. Follow the ridgeline up the sub-peak, and then back down the far side - trending N/NW once again. The route to the West Peak (true summit) is obvious at this point. To achieve the North Peak, simply retrace your steps and ascend the roughly 150 vertical feet to that peak’s summit. Return the way you came.  Total distance (one-way) for all three peaks (East, North, then West) from the trailhead is 8.25 miles.

My Garmin tracked me at 15.5 miles and 8,004 feet elevation gain total (RT).