Hike Abernathy Peak

Winthrop, Washington

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Details

Distance

9 miles

Elevation Gain

5100 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Analisa Price

If you're looking at climbing Washington's 100 highest peaks, Abernathy is a great place to start. While it's a steep and challenging hike, the summit is just a walk up, and the views of Scatter Lake and the vibrant larch trees in the fall keep your mind off the hard work you're putting in to push towards the summit.

Abernathy Peak is one of the shortest and easiest peak on the Bulger List, as it's just a walk-up covering around 9 miles and 5100 feet in gain. The trail to starts at the Twisp River Trail, but a few paces after the trailhead, the trail splits and you head left for Scatter Lake. The next 3.5 miles climb steep switchbacks, when it opens up into a meadow of larch trees that turn bright gold in the fall.

A half-mile later, you're at the lake. Skirt the edge on either side and trudge through the talus field to the top. The trip is super short and sweet (at least when it comes to Bulger summits), so it was pup-friendly, and it made a good choice for packing the stove and hot toddy supplies and relaxing by the lake for the afternoon.

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Features

Camping

Photography

Swimming

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Forest

Lake

Scenic

Swimming Hole

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