Mount Daniel

Mount Daniel is a mountain in Washington State in the central Cascades, located within federally managed wilderness lands. It is known locally among hikers and mountaineers for its rugged terrain and alpine features.

The area around the summit offers steep routes, rocky ridgelines and alpine meadows; route options are primarily for experienced hikers and climbers rather than casual visitors. There are no large visitor facilities at the summit and trips typically require full-day or multi-day planning.

The peak is a natural feature of the Cascade Range formed by tectonic uplift and glaciation; it has been used for recreation and mountaineering since the early 20th century. Over time access has been managed through wilderness-area regulations intended to limit development and preserve backcountry conditions.

Geographically it sits in the central Washington Cascades, within reach of regional trailheads and forest roads. The nearest population centers are towns and trailhead communities in the Cascade foothills to the west and north.

Access to Mount Daniel is typically from the Snoqualmie Pass/I-90 corridor. The common approach is from the Alpental/Summit Lake areas or via longer trails from the east; specific trailheads are reachable from Interstate 90 and local forest roads. Check current trail conditions and wilderness permits if required.

• Start very early to avoid routes becoming loose and to catch stable morning conditions-afternoons bring gusts and thunderstorms.
• The most commonly used approach is from the west via the Summit Lake trailhead; expect steep, sustained climbing.
• Snowfields may persist into July; microspikes or crampons can be necessary even in late spring.