Excellent trip up to Windy Peak up in the Pasayten. Windy Peak is #94 on the Washington Bulger list, and there is pretty much a trail all the way to the summit.
Toats Coulee Road is paved most of the way, with sections of gravel, and is in great shape. Very scenic drive. There is some free range cattle up there, so be careful of them, as some of them don’t like to move out of the way of the cars.The last 2 miles to the Cathedral Driveway trailhead is all gravel, but is super smooth, with nary a pothole.
Windy Creek trail is clear of blowdowns to the first creek crossing. After this, there are about 30 trees across the trail. Most are small, but about 5-6 of them were hard to get around. Trail runs through a burn zone, so there are a lot of dead trees. There was a slight breeze, and a few came crashing down around me. Kind of scary, and put on high alert! There is lots of new pines growing in the burn zone, which is a great sign. There are also quite a few ups and downs on this section of trail. Nothing super steep, but with about a 100ft of extra gain each way, the inclines on the way back were tiring. Lots of water sources now, but that could possible change, as we get into summer
Once you get out of the burn zone, the grade steepens, and the soil becomes sandy, which at times makes the ascent a bit more difficult. Up near the top where the Windy Creek trail intersects the Windy Peak trail there is some sporadic snow, which caused me to lose the trail a few times. I didn’t use spikes or gaiters, and did just fine. The summit block is snow free, and if you choose the right line, it is just a walk up.
Some sweet views up and around the summit, especially of Remmel, Amphitheater, and Cathedral Peaks. You could also look out north into Canada.
Great place, but it was a long day. 5 hour drive each way from Bellevue, with a 5 hour hike. The hike to the summit was 10.3 mile RT, with 2956 ft gain
Comments
jeremyf on Windy Creek, Windy Peak
Is the Pasayten area pretty melted out at this point?
Posted by:
jeremyf on Jun 12, 2024 09:00 AM
kidz won't hike on Windy Creek, Windy Peak
In the valleys yes. Up high there is still snow, especially on the north aspects. The snow that is there is quite soft, and melting fast.
Posted by:
kidz won't hike on Jun 12, 2024 11:33 AM
eefreer on Windy Creek, Windy Peak
I saw Windy from the north (Canadian side) a few days ago and it looked like a lot of snow still. I’m heading out to Windy in a week so having your recent report is super helpful.
Posted by:
eefreer on Jun 12, 2024 12:09 PM
kidz won't hike on Windy Creek, Windy Peak
A lot more snow on the north side of the peaks, as the south sides are melting out rapidly. Hopefully you have a nice weather day, as the views are very nice! Not much shade, so maybe not the best hike on a hot day
Posted by:
kidz won't hike on Jun 13, 2024 08:22 PM
Dream Delay on Windy Creek, Windy Peak
I am interested in exploring this area. You always have the best reports, thanks KWH!
Posted by:
Dream Delay on Jun 13, 2024 07:35 AM
kidz won't hike on Windy Creek, Windy Peak
Thank you so much! The Pasayten area is great. So many pretty areas. It's just so far to get there
Posted by:
kidz won't hike on Jun 13, 2024 08:23 PM