Revolution Peak - Climbing in Washington

Revolution Peak is a full day adventure during the winter involving biking, hiking, snowshoeing and scrambling. The trip covers a large distance and gains lots of altitude, so start early, winter days are short. Revolution Peak can be seen from I-90, between the “Zorro Road” and Russian Butte.

The route up Revolution Peak starts with a nice 5 mile bike ride up the Granite Creek Road. The road surface is in decent shape and the grade is good for biking. At 3.3 miles, you’ll cross Granite Creek and at 5 miles hit the first big road split. Go straight, following a sign that says to Thompson Lake. Within a mile, pass that trail junction continuing up toward the ridge. A few portions of the road may be choked with Alder but people often cut it so hope for that. If it is winter, continue up wherever it looks best to obtain the ridge. If summer, maybe keep to the road as it switchbacks up. It’s not necessary to go all the way to the cabin on top of point 5124 but it is a neat spot to visit. From the cabin, travel NE along the ridge. At some point it gets cliffy so it’s necessary to down climb a bit to traverse below. Finally, re-gain the ridge and walk up the ridgeline to the summit of Revolution Peak. We didn’t make it down before dark so we got to do the exciting bike ride down by headlamp. My climbing partner crashed once.

Take exit 34 off of I-90. Go north on 468th Ave for about 0.4 miles. Go right onto SE Middle Fork Road. Follow this road 2.5 miles where it will turn into gravel (3 miles from exit 34). Here, at the end of the pavement is the Mailbox Peak trailhead. Park here or continue 0.1 mile further to the blue DNR gate where there is room for about 2 cars. This gated road is the start of the route up Revolution Peak.