Route: Black Peak (WA)

The route starts at Rainy Pass off of highway 20. This is the same trailhead as the popular Maple Pass Loop, which you will follow CCW until making a right at Heather Pass towards Black Peak. The trail goes over some boulder fields on the way to two lakes, Lewis Lake and Wing Lake. Wing Lake is at the base of Black Peak and has a clear view of the rocky mountain. Wing Lake is also where most mountaineers camp before a summit push. There are multiple routes up the mountain but the easiest and safest is through the South ridge. This route involves climbing a long steep slope of scree (or snow depending on the time of year) up to the south ridge. There are cairns along the ridge and the route consists of some class 3 scrambles. The summit elevation is 8970 feet.  You can add on the Maple Pass loop if you want on the ascent or descent, but it'll take time and you don't have to do it unless you've got time to spare and want some extra scenery.