Cowiche Mountain via William O Douglas Trail

An excellent ridgeline hike with gradual climbs and very expansive views of Yakima, Cowiche, and Naches valleys as well as the high peaks of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier. Starting out at the Ron Anderson trailhead at Rocky Top, follow the doubletrack up until you see the 'Trail -->' sign and then hang a right. From this point on, you'll see the William O. Douglas (WOD) trail blaze sign posts (gray-white) which will lead you up over the first set of fence steps to and along the Cowiche Mountain East ridgeline, keeping the fence to your right. At approximately 2,600' you'll cross over a second set of fence steps on to the Rocky Top Trail system; bear left (west) and continue following the ridge line trail up over the false summit while now keeping the fence on your left. After the false summit you're home free to the final pitch which gives you fascinating heady views of Mt Rainier, Adams, and Cleman Mountain, plus the surrounding valleys. The large cairn will signify the end of this section, but you can also continue west beyond the Radio Tower towards Snow Mountain Ranch trail system. To return, trace your footsteps back to the trailhead and watch for loose rock along the way.