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Cabinet Peak

  • May 20, 2023
  • 2 min read

5/20/2023

After parking at the pullout on Highway 20 near milepost 147, I set off back up the road for half a mile in pursuit of the so-called Cabinet Peak. I don’t think this is an official name, but we’ll use it instead of the uninspiring Peak 6882 for this report.


Winding road through dense green forest, leading to distant snowy mountains under a colorful sky. Peaceful and scenic landscape.
Walking along Highway 20 with Crater Mountain in the distance

After crossing over Cabinet Creek, I found a faint trail on the south side of the road that took me into the woods and uphill. This trail was easier to follow than expected, and despite a few blowdowns to contend with, my progress was surprisingly fast.


At about 3800’ I left the faint path and angled straight uphill, picking the path of least resistance as best I could. There was some brush to contend with and plentiful deadfall, but I wouldn’t say any of the bushwacking is too rough.


After I crested the northeast ridge of Cabinet Peak at about 4900’, the slope angle eased off, and the route became quite clear – just follow the ridge! It was here that I started to run into some snow, which was patchy at first but quickly became consistent. I post-holed a few times, but the snow was supportive enough overall to be navigated without snowshoes.


Evergreen trees in the foreground with a mountainous backdrop under a clear blue sky. Shadows cast on the dense forest below.
I think that's Elija Ridge in the distance
Snow-capped mountain with evergreen trees in foreground under a bright blue sky. The scene conveys a serene, natural landscape.
On the ridgeline with Cabinet Peak summit visible

The ridgeline steepened a bit and the trees opened up near the summit, which provided a fun finish with great views. Summit views were incredible, especially of the rugged north side of the Ragged Ridge. I enjoyed my time and appreciated the beautiful mid-May morning we were having.


Snow-covered mountain peaks under a clear blue sky, with rugged rock formations. The scene conveys a peaceful, majestic atmosphere.
Mesahchie and Katsuk
Snow-covered mountains with rocky peaks under a clear blue sky. Evergreen trees dot the slopes, creating a serene winter landscape.
Kitling with Black Peak in the distance
Snow-covered mountains under a clear blue sky, with rugged gray peaks and sparse green trees, convey a serene and majestic atmosphere.
Kimtah
Rocky mountain ridge with scattered trees and snow patches, framed by distant snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky. Serene landscape.
View back toward Crater and Jack
Person in hoodie stands triumphantly on snowy mountain peak with arms outstretched, surrounded by pine trees and snow-covered peaks.
Self-timer came in handy for this shot

On my descent I followed my footprints exactly, which kept me from postholing…mostly. There were still a few places near the start of the snow where I would sink in unexpectantly. The forest was steep on the way down and I checked my GPS several times to make sure I was staying mostly on my up-track.


I eventually popped back out onto the highway and walked in the shoulder back to my car, returning 5 hours and 26 minutes after I had left it.


Road with green "Cabinet Creek" sign, lined with tall evergreens. Snow-capped mountains in the distance under a clear blue sky.
Back across Cabinet Creek

Final Stats: 5.6 miles / 3719 feet of gain

Topographic map of Cabinet Peak area with a red trail line. Contour lines indicate elevation. Labels include Mebee Benchmark and Granite Creek.

 
 
 

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