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Union & Jove Peaks - 5696' & 6007'
Miles RT: Elevation Gain: Route/Trail:
9 3400' good+
Map: GT - #144 Benchmark Mtn
USGS -
Season: All
A two for one trip on Smithbrook Road. Park at the turnout on Hwy 2 and hike or snowshoe 2+ miles to the "big" switchback.  At the apex go off trail to the northwest.  Go steeply uphill (probably following boot tracks as this is a popular destination even in the winter) to a flat area (4500') below Union Gap.  We aimed for Union's SE ridge from here, climbing very steeply NE.  Once on the ridge, it's an easy walk to the rounded open summit.  Continue north and drop down to the saddle between the peaks.  Don't worry you regain all that elevation loss soon.   We stayed mostly in the trees as we climbed Jove's southwest ridge.  Few problems are encountered with the scramble.  Great unobstructed views from the summit.  Retraced our ascent route for the descent.
  January 28, 2007      
On the road again...  
Climbing toward Union Gap  
 On Union's SE ridge
Further along the ridge  
Nearing the rounded summit  
 Dropping to the saddle
Jove Peak ahead  
Scrambling Jove's SW ridge  
Jove's south face
View to Glacier Peak  
Along the SW ridge  
Summit of Jove Peak  
 Looking N toward Glacier Peak
 and W across Lake Janus
Mighty sunny here today  
Climbing back to Union Peak  
E facing slope on Union Peak
Cameo on Union  
Smithbrook Road and Hwy 2  
Route Map  
Directions:
U.S. Hwy. 2 just east of Stevens Pass turn north on to Smithbrook Road (Forest Road 6700) and follow the good gravel road about 2 miles to the trailhead and parking area. After the snow comes, plows clearing Hwy. 2 create a berm, which blocks access to Smithbrook from the east bound lanes. Use alternate winter route.
Winter: From the west side, drive six miles east of Stevens Pass on U.S. 2, at the Mill Creek exit make a U-turn to get onto the westbound lanes. Drive less than 1 1/2 miles to a large plowed turnout a little to the east of Smithbrook Road (Forest Road 6700), elevation 3,187 feet.  Be prepared to scale the plow berm, as by mid-winter it may be as high as 8 feet (sherpa's and rope usually not necessary although ice axe is helpful for cutting steps).
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