Iron Bear - Teanaway Ridge

The Iron Bear trail, in the Teanaway area, affords a great view and is now snow free. A steady climb with lots of wildflowers ends on top of Iron Bear Mountain. Views of the Stuart Range and Mt. Rainier can be had on a clear day as well as the surrounding area. This trail allows motorized vehicles after June 15 so now’s the time to do it before the razzers make their appearance.

The trailhead is only 3 miles off Highway 97 but the last little bit of Forest Service Road is a little raw. There’s a small creek to cross but recent trip reports don’t indicate any problem doing so, just take it easy. There are two places to park, an area just after the crossing of Iron Creek and another about 600 feet past at the actual trailhead. If you’re not comfortable driving across the creek or up the last 600 feet of road to the trailhead you can park alongside the road before the creek. Any SUV or vehicle with somewhat higher clearance should be able to make it just fine but low clearance sedans will probably want to park before the creek.

-Distance 6.5 miles
-Elevation Gain: 1800 feet
-Pass required: None required
-WTA link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/iron-bear
-Trailhead privy: Nope

-Meet: Meet at the Iron Creek trailhead at 9:45 AM, ready to hike at 10:00 AM.