Paddy-Go-Easy High Traverse
View of Mt. Rainier from camp
The weather has been unseasonably cool for August this year, so when it looked like we had a two-day window of opportunity, Mike and I headed out for a quick overnight adventure. After considering our options, we settled on a high traverse from Paddy-Go-Easy Pass to Robin Lakes.
We arrived at the TH at 9:15 a.m., packed up and were off within a half hour. The hike up to the pass was unremarkable, but hikers making the effort will be rewarded with wildflowers galore (when they’re in season) and outstanding views of many nearby peaks and ridges.
Mike on the way to Paddy-Go-Easy Pass
From there we left the trail and headed north on mostly open ridges. Following mis-guided beta from a friend we lost two hours trying to find a way around cliff bands above the French Potholes, but eventually found a way over the top of the peak and onto easier terrain on the west side of the ridge.
Finally on easier terrain
Given the time we decided to cut our day short and camp at the unnamed tarns between the French Potholes and Robin Lakes. What a happy choice. We enjoyed beautiful views in complete solitude – far from the hoards of backpackers at Robin Lakes.
The next morning we ate a leisurely breakfast and headed off. After bagging Granite Mountain, we traversed high around the east side of Robin Lakes, exploring all of the side-trails along the way.
The final ridge to the top Granite Mountain
Getting from Robin down to Tuck Lake was a simple matter of following the cairns down granite slabs and taking the correct path among the maze of paths to the lake. From there it was an easy 6.4 mile hike to the Hyas Lake TH and a 1-mile road walk back to the car.
View of Robin Lake and Mt. Daniel from the east
Read on for more detailed beta if you’d like to repeat the trip.
Driving Directions: Drive E on I-90 to exit 80 (Roslyn). Follow SR 903 to Salmon la Sac, then continue on FS 4330 to the Paddy-Go-Easy TH (elev. 3373’), 1 mile before road’s end.
Permits: A NW Forest Pass is required to park at the TH.
Contact information: Cle Elum Ranger Station, (509) 852-1100
Route: Hike three miles to Paddy-Go-Easy Pass (elev. 6,100’). At the pass, leave the trail heading NW toward Peak 6573. Continue traversing the ridge to the next visible peak (Peak 6564). Pass Peak 6564 to the west about 200’ below the summit and continue traversing at this elevation for about ¾ of a mile.
As you approach Peak 6520 begin looking for a saddle on the ridge south of the peak. You’ll want to cross over the ridge here. Many people (myself included) get suckered into heading up the granite slabs/ramp on the west side of the peak, but the route eventually cliffs out above the French Potholes.
Once over the ridge, drop 400’ to easy terrain (heather benches mixed with boulder fields) and do a rising traverse towards the unnamed tarns due south of Granite Mountain (Peak 7144). There is excellent camping near the southern most tarn with views of Rainier and Daniel. Pick this spot over Robin Lakes if you want solitude.
From the unnamed tarns head NNW towards the saddle (6,800’) west of Granite Mountain. Drop your packs and scramble 300’ to the summit of Granite for excellent views of the Cradle, Klonaqua Lakes, Robin Lakes and the surrounding hills/mountains.
Back at the saddle, grab your packs and traverse to the east side of Robin Lakes. A primitive trail leads above the cliffs to the north side of the lakes where cairns mark the route down to Tuck Lake.
Follow the trail from Tuck Lake two miles to the Hyas Lake trail and head south 4.4 miles to the TH. Hitch a ride from other hikers or walk one mile of road back to your car.
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Comments:
Fantastic pictures of a fantastic setting.
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