Solomon Mountain

driving directions

Take the Salmon la Sac exit off of I-90. Drive through Roslyn and up Cle Elum River Road to Salmon la Sac. Turn right and drive ~9.5 miles to the Scatter Creek Trail sign, ~150 yards before crossing Scatter Creek.

approach & ascent

The trail, which starts about 100 yards south of where the road crosses Scatter Creek, is in good shape up to the junction that heads south toward Scatter Peaks.  Stay left at the junction and from there on, the trail is a bit sketchy, but is still more or less a trail.  Just after the junction are two creek crossings, which can be difficult in early season (bring Teva sandals for the creek crossings and stash them in the woods on the other side).

The upper end of the valley between 4,800 ft and 5,200 ft, the trail crosses several meadows, blow-downs and can be boggy.  This area is not recommended in June when the snow is still melting fast, but could be fine in May if you can get to the trailhead. 

For some really fun scrambling, leave the trail at about 5,400 ft where it crosses the creek from north to south.  Between 5,500 ft and 5,800 ft is a field of huge stable boulders that are great fun to climb up.  In the afternoon, on your descent, you can find the trail on the south side of the valley and skip the boulders.

From the top of the boulders, head straight up slope to the ridge, which you follow to the summit. Near the summit, stay left for a straight forward ascent.

• Suitable Activities: Scrambling
• Seasons: July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Strenuous 3, Technical 3
• Elevation Gain: 3,790 ft
• High Point: 7,095 ft

• Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
  Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Cle Elum Ranger District (OWNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12