Hike description: In late July and early August or whenever the flowers are at their peak, you get it all on Bearhead Mountain – wildflowers and a magnificent view of Mount Rainier and what looks to be the rest of the world.
The first 0.8 miles takes you through forest and into the Clearwater Wilderness and brings you to Twin Lake. If there ever was a twin to this lake, it has long since disappeared. But don’t tell the kids that – they can keep searching for it as you head up the trail.
At Twin Lake, elevation 4,800 feet, you’ll come to a junction. To the left is the trail (No. 1177) to Summit Lake. You want to head to the right to Bearhead Mountain on trail No. 1179. In the summer when you get back to Twin Lake, you can soak your feet in the cool water. Toward the end of the summer, check for huckleberries in the bushes around the lake and at the trail junction.
Directions: Take state Route 410 to Buckley, take state Route 162 through Wilkeson, then state Route 165 across the one-lane Fairfax Bridge. When state Route 165 takes off uphill, to the right toward Mowich Lake, stay low and to the left, driving along the Carbon River toward the Carbon River entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. Just before the park entrance, you will turn left, taking Forest Road 7810 across the Carbon River on a one-lane bridge. Around 5.3 miles from the river, ignore the junction with Road 7820 – stay left on Road 7810. At 6.7 miles, you will be at 4,300 feet and the trailhead.
Difficulty rating: 3 (1 is easiest, 5 is most difficult)
Miles round-trip: 6
Elevation: 1,800 feet
Best time of year: July-October
Map: Green Trails 237 Enumclaw
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Also: Once you pass Twin Lake, there is no water along the trail; be sure to carry enough with you for the heat of the day.
Information: For trail and road conditions, contact the Enumclaw Office, Snoqualmie Ranger District, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest 360-825-6585; fs.fed.us/r6/mbs; “100 Hikes in Washington’s South Cascades and Olympics,” Mountaineers Books.
Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee.
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