Chinook Peak (6904')

Capping off a multi day peak bagging trip, I drove early to the Crystal Peak trailhead to ensure a parking spot on this Saturday morning (August 12, 2023). The Chinook Peak approach is accessed right at a switchback from the trail, with a gentle climb to the right of Peak 6706, followed by a traverse right to Chinook. Despite intimidating rock features, there is basically a trail to the summit involving mild scrambling. On the return I continued up the Crystal Peak trail to the Crystal Peak summit (6595') as the last time I was there in June 2018 it was snowing. Fabulous views, especially lower down on the trail where Rainier dominates a 180 viewing horizon. Stats: 11 miles/4400'

Silver King (6998')

Basing out of the Crystal RV lot, I accessed Silver King (August 10th, 2023) via the south ridge. I started at the Silver Creek trail, then branched off via Elizabeth Lake to climb to the ridge. Then it was a fairly straight forward walk along the ridge connecting to the Campbell Basin area, dropping down to the top of Forest Queen run and back to the van. In referencing attempts at this peak in the past, I got in some doggie cam and a few ski shots, as the ridge connecting Silver King and Campbell Basin is the access way for the South Backcountry during ski season.