The highest of the jagged peaks encircling the Index area, Gunn offers commanding views of the surrounding terrain as well as a real wilderness experience close to the big city. Though not high by Cascade standards, it`s low foothold and lack of a "trail" makes it a challenging peak. There are technical routes as well as a class 2 scramble to the summit. Some thick brush is encountered early on but the beauty of the little basin up high more than makes up for it. This peak also recieves minimal visitation so there is a good chance of gaining some solitude and having the views all to oneself.

Getting There

Take US Hwy 2 to the little town of Baring and turn N onto forest road 6024 heading towards the TH for Barclay Lake. At approx 4 mi. ( just short of the Barclay lake TH ) turn left on a little, narrow, spur road and follow this for several hundred feet to the end. There is a couple firepits and just enough room to park a couple cars. For the route, do not follow the abandoned road bed, instead find a faint trail heading E into the woods which leads to a log crossing across Barclay Cr.

Red Tape

Gunn lies in an unprotected area of the national forest so no special regulations apply. It is located in an area under the NW Forest Pass management so one would be required to park at the trailhead, although it might be questionable whether or not it is closer than a 1/4 from the TH. Be safe and have one.

When To Climb

The peak could realistically be climbed in any season, though late Spring or early Summer seams to be the time of choice. Unless climbing in Winter expect to encounter some degree of brush in the beginning. There are lots of young alder and minature closely packed evergreens as well as devils club & salmonberry to name a few.

Camping

Camping would not really be necessary except in the winter, although it would be possible to find some bivy sites in the upper basins. It would even be possible to find a tent site if one were to drop down through the saddle ( 5400+ ) SW of the summit to Gunn Lake ( 4770` )

Mountain Conditions

Climbing reports from recent years can be found here:

http://www.climbingwashington.com/features/gunnpeak.htm

http://www.alpenthyme.org/alp/gunn/gunn.htm

Photos and weather links at www.mountainwerks.org/cma

Miscellaneous Info

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