The standard, mostly non-technical route to King County's highest point, passing scenic Peggy's Pond and craggy Cathedral Rock on the way.
Drive to the Cathedral Rock Trailhead at the end of Forest Road 4330, north of Salmon La Sac. Hike the Cathedral Rock Trail past Squaw Lake (about 2.5 miles) to Cathedral Pass (5,550 feet), then turn onto the Pacific Crest Trail briefly before branching onto the trail toward Peggy's Pond, passing beneath Cathedral Rock along the way. The maintained trail ends at Peggy's Pond (about 5,560-5,600 feet), a good camp for backpacking parties. From here, ascend braided climbers' paths west through alpine meadows to gain Mount Daniel's broad Southeast Ridge. Follow the ridge, with the Hyas Glacier visible to one side and Circle Lake below on the other, through a couple of Class 2-3 scramble sections to the saddle below the East Peak. From the saddle, traverse west toward the Middle and West Summits (both around 7,960 feet and essentially tied for the true high point); a few Class 3 hand-and-foot moves near the top are typical.
Descend the Southeast Ridge back to Peggy's Pond and out via the Cathedral Rock Trail.