The technical high point of a multi-day trip to the Cathedral Lakes basin in the remote eastern Pasayten Wilderness, considered a genuine climb rather than the easy scrambles of its neighboring summits.
Several trailheads reach the Cathedral Lakes area, all off the Chewuch River Road north of Winthrop: the Andrews Creek Trailhead (about 3,000 feet) offers the shortest approach; the Thirtymile Trailhead at the road's end (3,420 feet) and the Cathedral Driveway Trailhead (reached via Loomis and Toats Coulee Road) are the other common options. Whichever is used, expect a long multi-day backpack of roughly 19-25 miles one way through forest and burned terrain before reaching the alpine basin. From a camp at Upper or Lower Cathedral Lake, approach Cathedral Peak's south side. Unlike neighboring Amphitheater Mountain and the other Ragged-Ridge-style scrambles in the area, Cathedral Peak involves real climbing rather than a walk-up, with a technical section near the summit block.
Descend the south route back to the Cathedral Lakes camp.