Finney Peak

Overview

Finney Peak is located northwest of Darrington within the "Logger's Island" between highways 20 and 530. It is a relatively short peak, but commands an excellent view and is the tallest peak between Round Mountain and the Skagit River. A fire lookout tower was built here in 1933 but was abandoned in 1965 and has since been destroyed. A 2 mile trail used to lead to the summit from the north, but it has since been overgrown and washed out and only traces of it remain.

Getting There

Drive Highway 20 to the town of Concrete, turn south on Concrete Sauk Valley Rd (South Skagit Highway). Cross the river, and continue east on this road for about 9 miles. Turn right onto Finney Creek Road #17. Continue on this road for approximately 12 miles where you cross Finney Creek and you will come to a junction, continue right for another mile or so, then take a left uphill onto FS Rd #1735.

This road is degrading more and more and you will likely encounter some branches and bushes encroaching on the road (which will scratch your paint). Continue as far as you can. The road has been decommissioned at about 5 miles, but you will likely not be able to make it that far.

Route Description

There a few different routes you can take up Finney Peak, but all of the routes I would recommend start and end the same. Refer to the map above. The road will likely be blocked a few hundred yards before the end. The red "X" is where the road is decommissioned and is no longer drivable. From here the brush gets worse.

All of the routes culminate at the basin below the west face. You want to be at the top of the far north talus field where a small remnant of the trail remains. From here the trail switchbacked up the very steep slide chute in the trees to the top of the ridge. This can be very steep and slippery and a rope may come in handy here on the way down. The trail crosses to the east side of the ridge and you should be able to follow it all the way up to the summit.

Route 1: The Brush Bash

(The red route on the map.) Follow the road for about a mile to the where a road switchbacks up to the right. This "road" is completely washed out and overgrown in places. It is very difficult travel. After crossing a creek in a small gorge, go 20 yards further, then cut uphill any time. This is some of the thickest brush I've encountered although it is not thorny. It takes a long time to make any progress. It may be easier to start before crossing the stream and try to stay in the old growth, although it is steeper. Keep aiming toward the summit and you will find yourself in a scenic basin below the west face. Scramble up the talus on the far left and you will find the old trail switchbacking up the slide chute to the ridge.

Route 2: The Short-Cut

(The blue route on the map.)If you continue on the road for another half mile, the road will cross a creek. You can either go up here or continue to follow the old road. It is steep and slippery going up the stream gully, but it is an easier way down. You will rejoin the road at an impressive rock outcropping. Follow it a short distance to its end. Head southeast through the woods until you reconnect with the old trail. It may be very difficult to find.

Route 3: The Old Trail

If you follow the road all the way around to the north, you may be able to pick up the old trail along the north ridge. It would be a long road walk and may or may not be easier.

External Links

You can check the current condition of Road #17 here.

Images

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