Moderately difficult hike with stunning view of Mt. Adams and Mt Rainier
How long is the trail?
Approximately 11 miles roundtrip. But since this is a out-and-back trail, you can make it however long you want.
How difficult is it?
Highlights: make sure to pack some water and a bear spray; an all-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended to get to the trailhead.
About the trail: 11 miles out and back trail; dirt trail with significant ascends and descends at times
Getting there:
Our experience: Ironstone Mountain trail is a good day-hike for anyone in Yakima or surrounding areas wanting an escape. If you are driving here from Yakima, it will take you about two hours, so plan accordingly. After driving on US-12 for a little while, you get on the National Forest (NF) road. The road is unpaved for about 9 miles up the ridge until you to the parking lot at the end of the road. We have a Toyota Prius and it made us a little nervous at times since there are a lot of rocks on the road- but we made it! So, having a bigger vehicle will definitely make it a better ride to the top.
Both of our dogs loved this hike! The trail wasn't heavily trafficked, so they enjoyed their leash-free time running up and down the mountains and chasing birds. Since Bogo is a big sun-loving dog, the heat didn't seem to bother him as much!
Once you get to the trailhead, follow the trail sign (there's only one path!) We hiked here in mid July and and the entirety of the trail was surprisingly very dry. Although you will walk through some wooded areas along the way, most of the trail is without shade. The trail is a total of 10 miles one way- but with the July heat, we were only able to make it a couple of miles in. About a quarter mile in, you will come to an open area where you can see both Mt. Adams (on the left) and Mt. Rainier (on the right) - if you are lucky and have clear skies! If you continue on for another mile or so, you will get to a much closer and clearer view of Mt. Rainier (pictured above). So, if you are not feeling as energetic enough to hike it all the way to the end of the trail, hike at least a mile and half until you get to that view. The view is incredible and it's completely worth the sweat! It is not a difficult hike, but there are a lot of ups and downs. You will be rewarded with some cool glacier wind along the way.
We would come here again just for the view of the mountains- perhaps in the earlier morning hours to avoid the heat. We had a backpack with some water, wind-breaker, and a bear spray- I'd bring it all again if we did this hike again. Tell us what you think of the hike.
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