The highest point in the Chelan Mountains and a large, three-summited massif rising some 7,500 feet above Lake Chelan, reached by a long approach up the North Fork Entiat River.
Drive up the Entiat River Road from the town of Entiat (off Alternate US-97) and turn onto the North Fork Entiat Road. Hike the North Fork Entiat River Trail No. 1437, which offers several possible variations deeper in the wilderness; one of three established trail approaches within this drainage is used to reach the alpine terrain below Cardinal Peak, gaining significant elevation over several miles of trail before the route continues cross-country, following cairns where the tread fades out in open grassy terrain.
Descend by the same approach route used on the way in.