Hiking Navaho Peak in the Teanaway Region
Contents
Navaho Peak Hike Information
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 20.60Km (12.80 Miles)
Elevation Gain: 1,270m (4,167 Ft.)
Highest Elevation: 2,183m (7,162 Ft.)
Average Gradient: 12.33%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 8.5 – 10 Hours
– Moderate: 7.5 – 8.5 Hours
– Fast: 6.5 – 7.5 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: ~May to October
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Navaho Peak Trail
Navaho Peak to Miller Peak Traverse
Trailhead Coordinates: 47°22’00.1″N 120°48’07.8″W
Navaho Peak Overview
Navaho Peak is one of the most popular summits situated in the Teanaway region of Washington. Located around 90 minutes from Seattle (4.5 hours from Vancouver), the Teanaway region is east of the Cascade Crest, and as such is a drier, more arid region that typically receives less snow, making for a wonderful late spring and arly summer option especially. Much of the terrain here is open, allowing plenty of off trail exploration, with a number of quality scrambles and ridge traverses in the area for adventurous parties.
Navaho Peak is one of the more simple and popular summits in the Teanaway area, with a long, moderately steep trail the entire way up, and no scrambling required to reach the summit. The views from the top are well worth the effort, with stunning views of Mount Stuart and the nearby Enchantment peaks in particular. You’ll even see Mount Rainier and Adams on a clear day.
The Teanaway area makes for a good option in the late spring/early summer as snow tends to melt away here earlier than most other areas. It’s also a fine summer option as well, however you should be prepared for high temperatures and constant sun exposure as the trees here are sparse and offer little shade.
Adventurous parties can add on more peaks if they desire, with one good option forming a loop that begins by climbing Miller Peak via the namesake trail, traversing the ridge to Freedom Peak, then continuing on to Navaho Peak. This would require parking at the Stafford Creek Trailhead, hiking the road to the Miller Bear Trailhead and beginning the ascent from there. This a great looped hike that comes in at around 26.5km and a little shy of 1,800m of gain. The connecting ridge is easy travel that is mostly hiking, with a short Class 2 section around Freedom Peak. I will include that route above as well.
The Stafford Creek trail to Navaho Pass is also very popular with campers. Slightly below Navaho Pass there is an abundance of camping options with rolling meadows and flowing creeks making for the perfect camping experience. It’s a large space and even though it’s popular there’s plenty of room to spread out. This means it’s easy to split this hike up over a couple of days, if preferred.
If traveling from BC you may want to consider staying a night in the Teanaway area due to the long drive. There are plenty of car camping options along the forest roads, and finding a spot shouldn’t be a major issue. The roads are all 2WD friendly thanks to being well groomed gravel. You’ll need to buy a Northwest Forest Pass to park at the Stafford Creek (or Miller Bear) trailhead.
Navaho Peak is a dog friendly trail.
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Is Navaho Peak worthwhile?
Navaho Peak is a nice introduction to the Teanaway region, with a very easy to follow trail all the way to the summit. The gradient is typically Washingtonian, never that steep but rarely flat either. The views from the summit are rewarding, with a great view of the Enchantment peaks and Mount Stuart in particular. For a fuller outing, consider following the ridge over to Freedom Peak and Miller Peak, forming a loop. It might be better to do this in reverse if you plan for it, as the best views are from Navaho Peak, which is also the highest peak.
How difficult is the hike to Navaho Peak?
Navaho Peak is a long old slog, especially if you’re carrying overnight packs, however it is rarely very steep so you should be able to maintain a decent pace. The only steep part is from Navaho Pass to the summit, which also covers some loose gravel/sand sections that are quite easy to slip on.
Other than that, there is nothing technical about this trail at all. If you did complete the Miller, Freedom, Navaho Traverse, the ridgeline between Navaho and Miller is mostly self-navigated, following a faint trail. It’s pretty straightforward, just stay on top of the ridge and keep following it. The only somewhat technical section might be ascending and descending Freedom Peak, but even then it is very straightforward scrambling with no exposure.
Navaho Peak Route Information
Parking for Navaho Peak is from the Stafford Creek Trailhead, which requires the purchase of a Northwest Forest Pass. The roads to get there are all gravel and suitable for all vehicles. There may be a few potholes here and there, but that’s about it.
From the trailhead you’ll see a trail entering the forest adjacent to Stafford Creek, which provides the soundtrack for most of this hike as you’ll be parallel for much of it. The trail is dry and arid, which is an introduction to the Teanaway region in general. That’s not to say there isn’t flora and fauna here, there is plenty of it around, but it’s nothing like your typical PNW forest.
Shortly ahead the trail departs steeply away from the creek, a detour resulting from an avalanche. Soon enough it mellows back out and descends back towards the creek. The moderate climb continues in earnest until around the 6.2km (3.8 mile) mark where you will reach a junction. This is a good spot to refill your water and have a break as the trail now begins a steep series of switchbacks away from Stafford Creek. You may also want to apply some sunscreen if you haven’t already. This trail is very sun exposed, and it’s only going to get more exposed as you continue.
Turning right at this junction, the trail advances at its consistent gradient once more. You’re now getting the traditional Teanaway experience, with sun drenched wildflowers blooming in the arid dirt.
The trail now follows a few switchbacks as you climb steeply, and around the 8km (5 mile) mark you’ll reach the first campsites along the trail. With a broad, open meadow and gurgling stream, this is a popular spot for campers setting up basecamp for a weekend of adventuring (or relaxing). You won’t be stopping here though, it’s not too far to the pass now.
The trail wraps around the meadows before beginning another climb, with Earl Peak growing ever present. Shortly ahead you’ll pass by a few more suitable campsites, with the terrain really opening up as the trees thin out. You’ll really be basking in the sun now. After another short stretch of hiking you’ll reach Navaho Pass, which offers fantastic views in its own right.
From the pass you’ll turn your attention to the right, following the Old County Line Trail towards Navaho Peak. The pass is beautiful, with much of the trail now offering sublime views of Earl Peak and the Stuart Range. The trail now steepens considerably, with loose scree and dirt offering uncertain footing at times, so make sure to take care with your foot placements.
From the pass to the summit is around 1.6km (1 mile), so it should only take 20 minutes or so to reach the peak. Snow can linger on this final stretch until the summer, but it’s easy enough to manage without traction, though poles may be useful for balance. There is typically a well set bootpack either way.
Soon enough you’ll reach the summit where the views of the Stuart Range will be jaw dropping. You’ll also note Mount Rainier and Adams on a clear day. The Enchantment peaks are all identifiable for those well informed, with Argonaut, Dragontail, Colchuck, the Template and Little Annapurna all offering a stunning backdrop from the top.
For those simply heading back to the trailhead, you can just return back the way you came. For those thinking of following the ridge to Miller, read on for a brief summary of the route.
Navaho Peak to Miller Peak Traverse
(Adding on this ridge traverse increases the stats to 26.5km (16.4 Miles) and 1,700m (5,600Ft). of gain.
From Navaho Peak summit you can follow the southeast ridge down in the direction of Freedom Peak. You should bring a GPX for general route finding, but it’s simple nonetheless.
After a little over a mile of descending an easy ridge you’ll be at the base of Freedom Peak, which is a steep hike up, with some simple, unexposed Class 2 scrambling to get to the summit. Dropping off the other side of Freedom will be a little more unexposed Class 2 scrambling as you continue towards Miller Peak.
The ridge between Freedom and Miller is open and easy travel, mostly following a faint trail. It’s 5km of up and down ridge plodding, passing a few unofficial camping areas on the way (note: no water sources). Once you reach the base of Miller Peak’s west ridge, you’ll have a steep hike up to the summit with little in the way of trail to follow. Navigation should be easy, but refer to your map if in doubt.
Once you’re on Miller Peak, you descend back down the Miller Peak trail to the Miller Bear trailhead. From here you will need to hike back to the Stafford Creek trailhead along the road, which isn’t far.
When should I hike Navaho Peak?
The Teanaway area in general is a good option in late spring (mid-May) to October. If you don’t mind snow you can go earlier in the spring as well. In the peak summer you will want to prepare for long, hot days with little shade and a lack of water sources. You should definitely start early if you can in July and August especially.
Top Tip
Bring plenty of water and solar protection as this hike is exposed to the sun for the majority of the trail. Start early in the day in the middle of summer to avoid the worst of it.
If you do the traverse the above is even more important as there is no water and little shade anywhere along the ridge.
