Juniper Peak Summit Trail

Juniper Ridge Trail #261 trailhead is on the right side of FR 2904 with moderate parking. Tongue Mountain trail #294 can be accessed from the same place but on the left side of the road. Juniper Ridge Trail #261 is an OHV trail and rated Most Difficult, allowing for Motorcycles, Mountain Bikes, Horses and Hiking. And right from the get-go, its obvious. The trail starts out steep, with few minor reprieves. Since ATV's are not allowed and motorcycles are, it's not a foot-friendly trail with one deep rut in the center of the trail all the way to the top. Of course snow melt run-off adds to the rut near the top. Hiking is either in the center of the rut (with feet never completely flat) or on top of the rut on either side if and when one presents itself. Near the 2 mile mark, you'll get your first view point. Lovely Mt. Adams. Go on a cloudless day to see the whole mountain. From this point you'll hike another 1.5 miles on a thinning forested ridge till you get to the timberline. You'll have a couple good views of your destination along the way . Once past timberline, you're on top at ridge level at approximately 5400 feet where you can explore the small peak left of the trail with views of Mt. Rainier to the north, Mt. Adams to the south-east and Mount St. Helens to the south-west. To your right, is the rocky cliff face of Juniper Peak. Continue on the ridge around the base of Juniper Peak. Once at the backside of Juniper Peak, climb a couple hundred feet to the summit. Approximately 5611 feet in elevation. You'll have a 360 degree view from here of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mount St. Helens and Juniper Peak Ridge which runs North/South. Continue along the ridge for better views of Sunrise and Jumbo Peaks and others along the ridge. Continue along the ridge for another 1/2 mile past a small peak and returned. Hiking back down the rutted trail proves to be somewhat difficult. Definitely go on a cloudless day for the best views, however, our partly cloudy day was still gorgeous! On cooler days, bring something to block the wind and cold.