Kodak Peak
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
A remote PCT summit with a legendary 360-degree panorama of Glacier Peak and the Central Cascades.
About This Trail
Kodak Peak sits at 6,121 feet along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, and the summit delivers exactly what the name promises. The 360-degree panorama takes in Glacier Peak, Mount Stuart, and a parade of Central Cascades summits that stretches to the horizon. On a clear day, this is one of the finest viewpoints in the region, and you will likely have it to yourself.
The catch is getting there. From the Little Wenatchee Ford trailhead, the route follows the Little Wenatchee River trail through several miles of notoriously overgrown corridor thick with stinging nettle and devil's club. Long pants and gaiters are not optional. Once you reach the PCT near Meander Meadow, the character changes entirely: open alpine terrain, wildflower meadows, and clean trail. The boot path to the summit leaves the PCT at a wide saddle on Kodak's eastern ridge and climbs steeply but straightforwardly through rock outcrops and krummholz to the top.
Most hikers build Kodak Peak into a multi-day loop. The classic circuit links Little Wenatchee, Meander Meadow, the PCT, Kodak Peak, Cady Ridge, and back. Camping at Lake Sally Ann or in the Dishpan Gap area gives you a basecamp for the summit push. Fall brings spectacular color to the surrounding meadows and ridges, with huckleberries lasting well into September.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“I did a three day trip, taking the Pass Creek trail up to the PCT, then north and backdown the North Fork Skykomish trail to make a nice loop.”
Last report: Jul 5, 2025
Scorecard
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Little Wenatchee approach trail is heavily overgrown with stinging nettle and devil's club
- Boot path to summit is steep and can be obscured by snow into late July
- Mosquitoes severe at summit and in surrounding meadows through July
- Long approach - not a casual day hike
- Forest roads are rough with potholes and occasional detours
Getting There
Little Wenatchee Ford trailhead at the end of a long forest road drive from Coles Corner. The last 3 miles are unpaved with potholes. Northwest Forest Pass required. Small lot, though crowding is rarely an issue given the trail's remoteness.
From Coles Corner, take Highway 207 north, cross the Wenatchee River bridge, and follow Little Wenatchee River Road to the trailhead at roughly 25 miles. Take the Little Wenatchee River trail to the PCT, head north half a mile past the junction. The trail traverses Kodak's southern face to an eastern ridge saddle. A boot track climbs west along the ridgeline through rock and krummholz to the flat summit.
This is a backpacking trip for nearly everyone. The 18-mile round trip with the overgrown approach makes a pure day hike grueling. Camp at Lake Sally Ann, Meander Meadow, or near Dishpan Gap and tag the summit as a side trip.
Recent Reports
Someone mentioned on another review as such "it was the best of trails, it was the worst of trails" and that could not be more true of this anti-clockwise loop (LWF - Meander Meadow - Kodak Peak - Cady Ridge - return to LWF). The road to Little Wenatchee Ford Trailhead is quite a journey, thanks in part to an unexpected detour in the late hours on Friday, July 5.
I did a three day trip, taking the Pass Creek trail up to the PCT, then north and backdown the North Fork Skykomish trail to make a nice loop. Here are some particulars.
The high country is finally melting! I had an amazing day running up North Fork Skykomish to Dishpan Gap, then continuing North on the PCT and up the bootpath to the top of Kodak Peak.
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