French Cabin Mountain

French Cabin Mountain is composed of three peaks culminating in West Peak; the highest at 5,528 feet. A network of trails provides access to the area and all three can be visited in a single day trip, though a little off-trail navigation is required for North Peak and some class 3 scrambling is necessary for West Peak.

The most direct access is via the Domerie Peak Trail, which starts at the end of Forest Service Road 4308-115. The trailhead itself is reserved for high-clearance vehicles, but a moderate-clearance vehicle can get to a sharp switchback with room to turn around.

This trail was renovated by an ORV group and is regularly used by motorized vehicles. It climbs steeply for the first mile passing through second-growth forest with many short switchbacks gaining 1,200 feet. The tread is largely loose dirt.

After the first climb, the trail traverses with small gains and losses below North Peak. (If you're intent on tagging all the peaks, follow the ridge to the summit, gaining 150 feet and down the other side to rejoin the trail. From North Peak, the trail continues the traverse south 1.3 miles to South Peak.

The trail splits. The Domerie Peak trail continues south while the Silver Creek Tie Trail (1380.1) leads east to an overlook of the south fork of French Cabin Creek. 0.9 miles from South Peak, the trail drops abruptly and drops 250 feet only to climb right back up to the shoulder of West Peak. To gain the summit, follow the arête north. This is where some class 3 scrambling is required.

WTA Pro Tip: Hike this route on a dry day in the fall for excellent blueberries.