Davis Peak - Salmon La Sac Hiking Trails

Davis Peak is known for its long, steep and dry trail with miniature switchbacks from the valley bottom up the south rib to the summit. This relentless workout is rewarded by great views and the remnants of a former lookout site. Grover Burch, who joined the Forest Service in 1908, became the Cle Elum District ranger in 1926 and named the peak in honor of Louie Davis. Louie Davis was a young fire lookout who died during the off-season. The lookout building was built in 1934, an L-4 cab on the ground. That first year panoramics were taken from the roof of the lookout. In 1944 it was occupied by Marge Lumsden, a schoolteacher and fourth-generation resident of the Rosyln area. In total, she put in 16 years as a fire lookout on Davis. Marge used to entertain herself watching the mountain goats that grazed around the “yard”. In 1965 there was so much snow she had to be landed on Davis by helicopter, it was also her last season. The structure was destroyed or removed in 1968.

Take the Salmon la Sac Road (State Route 903) from Roslyn, past Cle Elum Lake to Salmon la Sac. Go right at the Y, angling up to the right (FS 4330). In 1.7 more miles will be a left turnoff for Paris Creek/Davis Peak Trailhead. Go left and in less than a half mile the road descends to the trailhead.

From the trailhead, descend to a bridge over the Cle Elum River. The trail utilizes an old road for awhile, then hits the switchbacks. After a few miles, you break out of the trees and the remaining 3 miles or so are exposed to the sun. In summer, this is brutal for many, so just be aware.

Davis Peak & Davis Mountain Lookout Site

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