12.5 miles
Distance
4,915 ft
Climb
-4,913 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
2 ft
Altitude change
1,618 ft
Altitude min
1,618 ft
Altitude start
1,621 ft
Altitude end
-54.9%
Grade max
57.7%
Grade min
6 miles
Distance climb
6 miles
Distance down
981 ft
Distance flat

Boat transportation from Ross Lake Resort (206-386-4437) may be arranged to the Desolation Trailhead.

Desolation Peak Trail is a steep hike to open meadows, grand vistas and a historic fire lookout. It is a popular day hike for boaters staying on Ross Lake, or a scenic but strenuous side trip for backpackers along the East Bank Trail. Many hikers come to see the site of poet and writer Jack Kerouac's mountainous sojurn. This is a steep hike that is often hot and dry; know your limits and bring plenty of water.

source: North Cascades NP | Desolation Peak Trail
Detailed Description
Desolation Peak is a 13 mile moderately popular expert route located near Rockport Washington. This hike only route and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 6 trails. This route climbs 4,915 ft with a max elevation of 6,073 ft then descends -4,913 ft.
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Stats

  • Distance
    13 miles
  • Avg time
    1 hr 34 min
  • Altitude min
    1,618 ft
  • Altitude start
    1,618 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,621 ft
  • Climb
    4,915 ft
  • Descent
    -4,913 ft
  • Grade max
    -54.9%
  • Grade min
    57.7%
  • Distance climb
    6 miles
  • Distance down
    6 miles
  • Distance flat
    981 ft

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Trails in Route

Details

Directions

  1. Walk southeast on Boundary Trail.
  2. Continue for 300 meters.
  3. Turn left onto Lightning Creek Trail (East Lake Trail).
  4. Continue for 70 meters.
  5. Walk northwest on Desolation Trail.
  6. Continue for 2.5 kilometers.
  7. Turn right onto Desolation Peak Trail.
  8. Continue for 7 kilometers.
  9. Walk south on Desolation Peak Trail.
  10. Continue for 6 kilometers.
  11. Turn left onto Desolation Trail.
  12. Continue for 3 kilometers.
  13. Turn right onto Boundary Trail.
  14. Continue for 300 meters.
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