Beckler Peak

Beckler Peak is a really wonderful snowshoe trip for those who are looking to climb up a mountain in the snow without seeing too many other people. Beckler gets a bit of traffic in the summer, but far fewer in the winter, which may be due to its steep access road. Beckler Peak features some great views from the summit, as well as some wonderful old-growth forests lower down!

Notes

• Seasonality: You'll generally find snow on this peak starting in late October through early June, though this is super variable depending on each season. Watch the WTA (Washington Trails Association) trip reports for an idea of when the snow's around!
• Avalanche Concerns: Whenever there's snow down, there's the possibility of avalanches. Make sure you check the NWAC (Northwest Avalanche Center) forecast before you head out. In low and moderate avalanche risk, Beckler is a pretty conservative peak, though you'll always need to make the final call yourself.
• Gear
  • Required: beacon, shovel, probe, avalanche know-how.
  • Traction and/or floatation: depending on conditions.
  • Winter travel gear, including lots of layers and the 10 Essentials.
• Road: Depending on how much snow and ice is on the road, you may not be able to make it to the trailhead proper, as the final switchbacks are quite steep. This trip report will describe climbing Beckler from the last switchback, as vehicles can easily get stuck here (it happened on this trip). Chains would help if you've got them!

The Climb

This description will start at the final switchback, as it can be pretty tricky to navigate in the winter. If you're not sure if your car will make it all the way up, consider parking lower down and walking the road in.

It's 3 gradual miles from the final switchback to the trailhead proper, which are quite beautiful, with lots of views toward the south. Once you pass the trailhead, you'll begin climbing up an old forest service road somewhat steeply, gaining around 2,500 feet in 4 miles.

The route follows this old roadway for a ways. After just over 1 mile away from the trailhead, you'll follow the road left at a switchback, then proceed a short distance to the next switchback, before breaking off the trail and heading northwest into the woods.

These trees are huge and old, and it's very special to get to walk between them on a blanket of snow. Continue northwest for till you get to a notch, then start switchbacking up the broad east slope of Beckler Peak. Soon, you'll gain the ridge proper, then continue along it to the top of Beckler Peak!

In the summer, scramblers sometimes continue west to the other summits of Beckler, but in the winter this is pretty gnarly, so only do so if you're very competent at assessing winter risk.

You should be able to get some epic views from up top before turning around and plunge-stepping your way back down to the road!