William O. Douglas Wilderness
I have always enjoyed hiking in the Cascade Mountains of Central Washington. A favorite destination is 6,658-foot McNeil Peak in the William O. Douglas Wilderness west of Yakima. The Peak is one of the highest points in the eastern portion of the Wilderness, providing great 360-degree views.
The hike begins with a steep climb to the top of Russell Ridge, follows the top of the ridge for several miles, dips down through some lush meadows, switchbacks steeply to a saddle, and then requires a scramble up to the top of McNeil Peak. Overall, the hike is 10 1/2 miles with roughly 2,500 feet of elevation gain.
Gray tube is the climber’s register on McNeil Peak’s summit with the Rattlesnake Mountains in the distance
Mt. Rainier above Tumac Mountain
Goat Rocks
On a clear day, the summit vista includes two large, snow-covered volcanoes: Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. The multiple, snow-covered peaks of Goat Rocks, remnants of an older volcano, are also visible. Mt. Gilbert is the highest point in Goat Rocks.
A glacial-scrubbed, U-shaped valley leading to Goat Rocks hosts the South Fork of the Tieton River. This area marks the starting point for another one of my favorite hiking destinations, Warm Lake. What a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the wilderness!
Mountain Goats
Rimrock Lake from Russel Ridge
Elk
Orange Tanager
McNeil Peak
Goat Rocks
Golden Mantled
Old Wilderness Sign
Goat Rocks aove the North Fork Tieton Drainage
Spring Azure Butterfly
Lofty volcano
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