Mount Aix (Hard, 2 Days)

Join me on an overnight trip to enjoy Mount Aix.

Distance: 12 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,500 ft
Difficulty: Hard

Mount Aix is one of the tallest peaks between Rainier and Adams and has incredible views of both. It’s a long drive though, so let’s camp nearby and do a second hike on Sunday to really make the most of the weekend.

The trail for Mount Aix is steep and steady as it climbs up first through forests and then brushy slopes and finally a rocky ridge. As you get higher and higher (7766 ft.) views open and become more impressive. Despite the remoteness of this mountain, the trail is well marked in most places and just requires some persistence and stamina. Near the summit, you can choose to scramble up the short way (class 2-3) or travel some extra distance to avoid the rocks.

We will be car camping, so you won’t need to carry your overnight gear on the hikes. There is no reliable water source on the trail, so bring about 3L to make sure you’re not thirsty. A helmet is recommended if you want to take the scramble route. The ridge has very little shade, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun.

There might be first-come first-serve campsites at Cougar Flats or Bumping Lake, but if not we will camp near the trailhead. Do not assume we will have running water or bathrooms.

Day One:
Leave Seattle and drive to the trail. Possibly stop and try to reserve space at a campground. Go to the trailhead and summit the mountain. Return to the cars and either go to the campgrounds or find a spot near the trailhead to camp.

Day Two:
We will do an additional easy/moderate hike on the way back to Seattle. Options include Naches Loop/Naches Peak or something in the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier.

Alltrails route to the summit:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/mount-aix-trail

Gear list:
Hiking Poles
Helmet (optional)
Warm clothes (night)
Headlamp
Water & Water Filter
Food
Tent*
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Stove and Fuel
Pot and eating utensil
Sanitary Supplies (poop bags, trowel)
Any other ten essentials

*Tents can be shared. Everything else is individual.

Join this WhatsApp group to coordinate. Introduce yourself and confirm that you have the gear or if you need to share. I will remove anyone who fails to communicate.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Jv5g3D2EPl1CM04KfrsEgG

Riders will reimburse their drivers for gas ($30). A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is necessary to park at the trail, and there will be an additional fee if we stay at the campground.

Important: You and yourself alone are responsible for your own safety. Please know your abilities before signing up.