Juniper Ridge #261

This trail is open to motorcycles, hikers, horses and bicycles.

The trail is above the popular Lewis River trail and as such, climbs out of the trees and into alpine meadows for most of its length. The trail falls squarely between Mount Saint Helens and Mount Adams. With Mount Rainier just to the north, it is the perfect trifecta. This is true backcountry riding in an area that sees very few people. Be prepared

From the trailhead on Forest Road 2904, the trail climbs the first 2 miles through small conifers with views between trees. The trail follows the ridgeline for 4.5 miles to the base of Sunrise Peak, then drops down to a meadow and pond, before climbing back to the ridge. The trail skirts Juniper Peak, Sunrise Peak and Jumbo Peak. The trail ends near Dark Meadows at Boundary Trail #1. Forest Road 2324 and the Sunrise Trail #262 are good ways to get to the high open ridge tops. Much of the trail along the open ridge top takes you through an area that burned in 1902 and again in 1918, resulting in the beautiful meadows along the ridge today. This trail was once used by sheepherders as a "stock driveway" from 1900 to the 1930s. Look for an old watering trough north of Jumbo Peak.

Pack it out. Please Leave No Trace.

Access Info

From Randle, Washington travel south on State Highway 131 (Forest Roads 23 and 25). Veer left in 1 mile at the Y of Forest Road 23 and Forest Road 25. Continue to follow Forest Service Road 23 for 8.1 miles to the junction of Forest Road 28. Follow Forest Road 28 for 1 mile and turn left on Forest Road 29. Follow Forest Road 29 for 4.1 miles and turn left on Forest Road 2904. Follow Forest Road 2904 for 4.2 miles and arrive at the trail on the right at Lambert Saddle.
Tongue Mountain Trail #294 is also accessed at this point across the road from Juniper Ridge Trailhead.

Disclaimer

This trail is maintained by the US Forest Service. Check with the USFS/Gifford Pinchot National Forest for the latest trail status.