Originally Posted: October 2026
Updated: November 2026

Day Hikes, Overnight Hikes & Summit Scrambles along Interstate-90:  Issaquah to Cle Elum

Iron Horse Mountains
Issaquah Alps
Kachess Mountains
Keechelus Mountains
Kittitas Mountains
Lower Snoqualmie Range
Snoqualmie Range
Taylor-Tolt Mountains

Introduction

I love exploring every part of the Cascades and Olympics, but as a resident of the Puget Sound metropolitan area, these explorations often require a long drive. When my time is limited, I typically opt for a one-day or short multi-day trip in the Interstate-90 corridor—with a maximum driving time of about 2 hours. Thousands of other hikers, backpackers, and scramblers in the metro area do the same thing. Naturally, the eternal challenge is to find a trip that serves up an appropriate level of difficulty, relatively few people, nice scenery, good road access, and a reliable parking situation.

My purpose for preparing this trip guide is two-fold. First, it helps hikers, backpackers, and scramblers living in the Puget Sound area—as well as in other communities to the east—pick suitable trips in the I-90 corridor. Second, it helps to disperse people over a larger network of trails, thereby taking a little pressure off the overused trails such as Mt. Si, Mailbox Peak, and Granite Mountain.

Suggested Hikes & Scrambles

All options listed below can be accessed from a freeway exit somewhere between Issaquah and Cle Elum, and none of them involve more than about two hours of driving time from the Seattle metropolitan area. These trips are generally arranged from west to east, based on the freeway exit access point. Links are provided for my route descriptions or trip reports, where available. I will continue to add trip recommendations and route descriptions over time, so check back periodically.

Issaquah Alps Grand Traverse (Exit 17): A modern re-enactment of the legendary “super hike” through the Issaquah Alps from Lake Washington to Preston. My updated version is a marathon-length day hike from Hobart to Newcastle. Approximately 26 miles + 6100 feet one way.

Tiger Mountain Trail Traverse (Exit 17): A day hike from High Point to Hobart along the locally famous Tiger Mountain Trail in the Issaquah Alps. Approximately 15.6 miles + 3150 feet one way.

Rattlesnake Mountain Trail Traverse – W to E (Exit 27 to 32): A trail hike from Snoqualmie Point to Rattlesnake Lake along the crest of Rattlesnake Mountain in the Issaquah Alps. Approximately 10.4 miles + 2650 feet one way.

Rattlesnake Mountain Trail Traverse – E to W (Exit 32 to 27): A trail hike from Rattlesnake Lake to Snoqualmie Point along the crest of Rattlesnake Mountain in the Issaquah Alps. Approximately 10.4 miles + 2800 feet one way.

Mt. Teneriffe Summit Loop (Exit 32): A trail hike and easy scramble from Kamikaze Ridge to Rachor Pass, going over the summit of Mt. Teneriffe in the Taylor–Tolt Mountains. Approximately 10.0 miles + 4250 feet for complete loop.

Thompson Point & Revolution Peak (Exit 34): A hike up the Granite Creek Trail to Thompson Point and a scramble along a ridge crest to Revolution Peak in the Lower Snoqualmie Range. Approximately 11.8 miles + 4250 feet round trip to Thompson Point. Approximately 13.0 miles + 4800 feet round trip to Revolution Peak.

Defiance Trail Traverse (Exit 34 to 47): A one-day or overnight hike from Granite Creek to Denny Creek along the Mt. Defiance Trail through the entire Lower Snoqualmie Range. Approximately 20.4 miles + 7450 feet one way.

Lipsy Lake & Otter Falls (Exit 34): An easy hike on the Snoqualmie Lake Trail to a marvelous water slide that spills into a cute little lake in the Taylor–Tolt Mountains. Approximately 8.2 miles + 750 feet round trip.

Olallie Knob & Hall Point & Songbird Peak (Exit 38): A hike up the Hall Creek Trail and Change Creek Trail to two nice viewpoints on the Hall-Change Divide, and a continuation up the primitive Songbird Peak Trail to this higher view summit in the Iron Horse Mountains. Approximately 2.6 miles + 1250 feet round trip to Olallie Knob. Approximately 2.6 miles + 1400 feet round trip to Hall Point. Approximately 5.6 miles + 3200 feet round trip to Songbird Peak.

Machubird Loop (Exit 38): A hike up the Hall Creek Trail, Change Creek Trail, and Songbird Peak Trail past Easter Island Crag, then down the Machu Picchu Trail and Hall Creek Trail in the Iron Horse Mountains. Approximately 6.3 miles + 3100 feet for complete loop.

McClellan Butte (Exit 42): A hike up the McClellan Butte Trail to a high ridge crest, followed by a short but exposed Class 2 scramble up to the summit of McClellan Butte, an old lookout site in the Iron Horse Mountains. Approximately 10.6 miles + 3800 feet round trip.

Mason Lake & Mt. Defiance (Exit 42 or 45): A hike up to scenic Mason Lake, with a continuation to the summit of Mt. Defiance in the Lower Snoquamie Range. Approximately 9.8 miles + 3750 feet or 11.2 miles + 4400 feet to summit, depending on starting point.

Granite Mountain Circuit (Exit 47): A trail hike around Granite Mountain via Pratt Pass, Pratt Lake, Lower Tuscohatchie Lake, Melakwa Lake, and Hemlock Pass in the Lower Snoqualmie Range. Approximately 13.5 miles + 3800 feet for complete loop.

Melakwa Lake & Kaleetan Peak (Exit 47): A hike up the Denny Creek Trail to Melakwa Lake and a scramble up the south face of Kaleetan Peak in the rugged Snoqualmie Range. Approximately 9.4 miles + 2600 feet round trip to Melakwa Lake. Approximately 12.4 miles + 5200 feet round trip to Kaleetan Peak.

Annette Lake & Silver Peak (Exit 47): A trail hike up Humpback Creek Valley to Annette Lake and a scramble up the west slope of Silver Peak in the Iron Horse Mountains. Approximately 6.8 miles + 1900 feet round trip to Annette Lake. Approximately 10.0 miles + 3800 feet round trip to Silver Peak.

Denny Mountain (Exit 52): An off-trail hike up the empty ski runs of Alpental Ski Area and a scramble up the south face of Denny Mountain in the rugged Snoqualmie Range. Approximately 2.8 miles + 2500 feet round trip.

Guye Peak via Alpental Valley (Exit 52): A steep hike up a climber’s path in Alpental Valley to Cave Ridge Saddle and an easy scramble to the north summit of Guye Peak in the rugged Snoqualmie Range. An optional Class 3-4 scramble over to the middle and south summits Approximately 2.4 miles + 2050 feet round trip to north summit.

Guye Peak via Commonwealth Valley (Exit 52): A hike up a primitive trail in Commonwealth Valley to Cave Ridge Saddle and an easy scramble to the north summit of Guye Peak in the rugged Snoqualmie Range. An optional Class 3-4 scramble over to the middle and south summits Approximately 4.2 miles + 2150 feet round trip to north summit.

Kendall Pass & Kendall Peak (Exit 52): A hike up the Pacific Crest Trail to Kendall Pass and a short, easy scramble up the west slope of Kendall Peak in the rugged Snoqualmie Range. Approximately 12.2 miles + 2800 feet round trip to Kendall Peak.

Cold Creek Trail Loop & Abiel Peak (Exit 54): A hike up the Cold Creek Trail to Tinkham Pass, then along the Pacific Crest Trail, with a detour up Abiel Peak before continuing to Windy Pass and descending the Mt. Catherine Trail in the Iron Horse Mountains. Approximately 8.8 miles + 3150 feet for complete loop.

Mirror Lake & Tinkham Peak Summit Loop (Exit 54): A hike up the Cold Creek Trail to Tinkham Pass, then down to Mirror Lake, followed by a hike and scramble over the summit of Tinkham Peak to Cold Creek Pass, and ending with a hike over to Windy Pass and down the Mt. Catherine Trail in the Iron Horse Mountains. Approximately 8.0 miles + 3200 feet for complete loop.

Dungeon Peak Summit Loop (Exit 54): A hike and scramble over the summit of Dungeon Peak via Rocky Run, Dungeon Knoll, and Lake Lillian in the Keechelus Mountains. Approximately 7.0 miles + 2600 feet for complete loop.

Rampart Lakes & Rampart Peak via Lake Lillian (Exit 54): A hike up the Lake Laura Backdoor Trail to Rampart Lakes, with a short scramble up the east slope of Rampart Peak in the Keechelus Mountains. Approximately 5.5 miles + 2900 feet round trip to Rampart Lakes.

Rampart Lakes & Alta Mountain via Lake Lillian (Exit 54): A hike up the Lake Laura Backdoor Trail to Rampart Lakes, with a hike and easy scramble up the south ridge of Alta Mountain in the Keechelus Mountains. Approximately 5.0 miles + 2700 feet round trip to Rampart Lakes. Approximately 9.0 miles + 4000 feet round trip to Alta Mountain.

Hibox Peak via Box Canyon (Exit 62): A hike up the Rachel Lake Trail and up a steep climber’s path, followed by a Class 3 scramble up the southeast ridge of Hibox Peak in the rugged Snoqualmie Range. Approximately 6.7 miles + 3800 feet round trip.

Rampart Lakes & Alta Mountain via Rachel Lake (Exit 62): A hike up the Rachel Lake Trail to Rampart Lakes, followed by a hike and easy scramble up the south ridge of Alta Mountain in the Keechelus Mountains. Approximately 10.2 miles + 2400 feet round trip to Rampart Lakes. Approximately 14.0 miles + 3850 feet round trip to Alta Mountain.

Park Lakes & Three Queens Mountain (Exit 80): A hike up the Mineral Creek Trail to Park Lakes, followed by a hike and Class 3 scramble up the north face of Three Queens Mountain in the rugged Snoqualmie Range. Approximately 9.0 miles + 2500 feet round trip to Middle Park Lake. Approximately 10.5 miles + 2800 feet round trip to Upper Park Lake. Approximately 17.0 miles + 5700 feet round trip to Three Queens Mountain.

Glacier Lake & Chikamin Peak (Exit 80): A hike up the Mineral Creek Trail to Park Lakes, then on a steep path to Glacier Lake, followed by a Class 3 scramble up the south ridge of Chikamin Peak in the rugged Snoqualmie Range. Approximately 13.6 miles + 4000 feet round trip to Glacier Lake. Approximately 17.0 miles + 6800 feet round trip to Chikamin Peak.

Thorp Mountain Lookout Loop (Exit 80): A hike up the French Cabin Creek Trail and along the Kachess Ridge Trail to Thorp Mountain Lookout, then down the Thorp Creek Trail in the Kachess Mountains. Approximately 7.3 miles + 2650 feet for complete loop.

French Cabin Mountain (Exit 80): A hike up the French Cabin Creek Trail and along the Kachess Ridge Trail and Silver Tie Trail, followed by a Class 2 scramble up the south ridge of the west (main) peak of French Cabin Mountain in the Kachess Mountains. Approximately 7.0 miles + 2500 feet round trip.

Summit Chief Mountain via Pete Lake & Vista Lakes (Exit 80): A hike up the Pete Lake Trail and Pacific Crest Trail to Vista Lakes, followed by a hike and scramble up the south face of Summit Chief Mountain in the rugged Snoqualmie Range. Approximately 23.4 miles + 2700 feet round trip to Vista Lakes. Approximately 27.6 miles + 6000 feet round trip to Summit Chief Mountain.

Peggy’s Pond & Circle Lake & Mt. Daniel (Exit 80): A hike up the Cathedral Rock Trail and along the Peggy’s Pond Trail, then up a steep path to Circle Lake, followed by a Class 2-3 scramble up all three summits of Mt. Daniel in the rugged Snoqualmie Range. Approximately 9.9 miles + 2500 feet round trip to Peggy’s Pond. Approximately 12.6 miles + 3750 feet round trip to Circle Lake. Approximately 17.0 miles + 6300 feet round trip to all three peaks of Mt. Daniel.

Marmot Lake & Jade Lake & Dip Top Gap (Exit 80): A hike up the Deception Pass Trail and Marmot Lake Trail to Jade Lake, followed by a steep hike and scramble up to Dip Top Gap overlooking Pea Soup Lake in the Miller–Foss Mountains. Approximately 17.0 miles + 3400 feet round trip to Marmot Lake. Approximately 19.6 miles + 4200 feet round trip to Jade Lake. Approximately 21.5 miles + 5300 feet round trip to Dip Top Gap.

Tuck Lake & Robin Lakes & Granite Mountain (Exit 80): A hike up the Deception Pass Trail, then up the Tuck & Robin Lakes Trail, followed by a hike and easy scramble up the northwest side of Granite Mountain in the Upper Icicle Mountains. Approximately 10.6 miles + 2000 feet round trip to Tuck Lake. Approximately 13.2 miles + 3200 feet round trip to Upper Robin Lake. Approximately 15.0 miles + 4500 feet round trip to Granite Mountain.

Essential Information Sources

It should be emphasized that all of the options listed above are subject to weather, road conditions, parking status, and other factors. On any given day, a certain option might be inaccessible or unsuitable for one reason or another; therefore, it is advisable to check on your destination before heading out. The following links provide helpful information for planning purposes. Even these information sources, however, should not be taken as a substitute for having the fitness, experience, knowledge, equipment, and clothing required for a chosen hike or scramble.

>>> Washington Trails Association trip reports for various trails

>>> Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest road and trail conditions reports

>>> WSDOT road condition reports for Interstate-90 and Snoqualmie Pass

>>> National Weather Service weather forecast for Snoqualmie Pass area

Trailhead Permits

Most of the hikes and scrambles that I’ve listed above begin at a formal trailhead and, as such, require a trailhead permit. The particular type of permit depends on the specific land jurisdiction.

• Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) trailheads require a Discover Pass ($30 per year). This covers most trailheads located in the Issaquah and North Bend areas.
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS) trailheads require either a Northwest Forest Pass ($30 per year) or a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, also known as an America the Beautiful Pass ($80 per year). These cover most trailheads located east of North Bend.

All types of passes are available at REI stores and other outlets.

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