Yakima Valley Trekkers

This short and sweet hike to Round Mountain offers stunning views, making it the perfect half-day adventure!

Key Features:

• Distance: 5.3 Miles Out & Back
• Elevation Gain: 1,700 ft. - Moderate and steady climb
• Views: Breathtaking panoramas of Clear Lake, Rimrock Lake, Bear Creek Mountain, Tieton Peak, Mount Adams, Old Snowy, and even glimpses of Mount Rainier.
• Difficulty: Moderate - manageable incline with some steeper sections
• Bonuses: Beautiful wildflowers, chance to spot pikas

Hike Description:
Our journey begins at the easily accessible Indian Springs trailhead. We'll weave through a light forest with pockets of trees, taking in the unique dry-side landscape. The trail offers a steady climb, with no long flat sections for catching your breath, but the incline is gradual, making it achievable for most hikers.

Halfway Point and Beyond:
Keep your eyes peeled for pikas, adorable little critters that chirp to warn each other of our arrival! After conquering a steeper climb, we'll reach a scenic ridge marking our halfway point (elevation 5406 ft!). From here, we'll take the short hiker-only spur directly to the summit (0.4 miles). This final stretch rewards us with breathtaking views of Clear Lake, Rimrock Lake, surrounding mountains, and even a peek at Mount Rainier!

Ready to Join?
This is a moderately challenging hike with rewarding scenery. Let me know if you have any questions and sign up to join the adventure!

Pleasant Valley Loop Trail Part Two!
We're wrapping up section hiking the Pleasant Valley Loop Trail off Hwy 410, near Chinook Pass. Completing the Southern section starting at Union Creek Falls and crossing/wading the American River to the Fife's Peak Vista Parking Lot.

Calling all new and seasoned hikers! Join us for a final section hike off the Pleasant Valley Loop trail, a scenic trail near Mount Rainier that offers a unique blend of wilderness serenity and convenient accessibility.

Hike Highlights:

• Diverse landscapes: Immerse yourself in towering forests and by the calming waters of the American River.
• Wildflower spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for vibrant blooms like tiger lilies, queen's cup, and twinflower.
• Wildlife encounters: Watch out for birds and, if you're lucky, spot fish in the crystal-clear river.
• Great for all levels: The terrain is mostly flat with some occasional roots and streams to navigate, making it suitable for hikers of varying experience.

Trail Details:

• Starting point: 1 miles West of the Union Creek Falls Trailhead
• Distance: Approximately 5.0 miles; Point to Point trek
• Elevation gain: Approximately 500 ft.
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Trail Description:
Our journey will begin one mile West of the Union Creek Falls Trailhead near Chinook Pass, where we'll park on the northside of Hwy 410 near the most western entrance of the Pleasant Valley Loop Trail, this section of the trail delves deeper into the forest, offering a chance to truly commune with nature, with little to no sounds coming from Hwy 410. We'll hike approximately 5 miles until we hit the same trail junction from our 06/15 hike and cross the American River by foot(water shoes or sandals recommended if you don't want to get your hiking shoes wet). After crossing the American River, we'll hike the short half mile to the Fife's Peak Vista Parking Lot to end the hike.

This hike is perfect for beginner hikers wanting to get outside and for seasoned hikers wanting to catch some Mountain Wildflowers.

*Due to the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest Wilderness Regulations, groups larger than 12 hikers must split into separate groups and maintain a mile(20 minutes) distance from one another. If we have more than 12 hikers, we'll split into two groups by hikers preferred hiking pace*

Challenge Yourself with Breathtaking Views: Hike to Jumpoff (Joe) Lookout!

Calling all adventurous hikers! Are you ready for a trek that rewards you with stunning vistas and a unique wilderness experience? Then join us for a climb to Jumpoff Lookout!

This hike offers a diverse landscape, transforming from a lakeside overlook(Rimrock) to a challenging climb with incredible panoramic views. The recently developing AC Trail climbs 800 ft from the trailhead in 0.8 miles and connects to the Divide Ridge Trail that will lead us the rest of the way to the Jumpoff Lookout, otherwise known as Jumpoff Joe, locally.

Hike Highlights:

• Rewarding Challenge: This trail offers a moderate to strenuous workout, but only for 0.8 miles, before becoming a more gradual climb up to the Lookout Tower
• Geological Wonders: Explore lava fields, towering talus slopes, and dramatic basalt cliffs, each offering a glimpse into the area's geological history.
• Wildlife Encounters: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – you might spot majestic elk or hear the calls of various birds.
• Panoramic Paradise: The summit boasts breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, Rimrock Lake, the Goat Rocks Wilderness, and countless other peaks waiting to be explored.

Trail Details:

• Starting point: The recently established AC Trail
• Distance: Approximately 3.6 - Out & Back
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,350 ft total with 800 ft of it being within the first mile.
• Pace: This is a leave no hiker behind trek, so we'll be taking our time to reach the ridge line before making our way up to the lookout.

RSVP and things to consider:

• Feel comfortable with the overall elevation gain. Hikes with similar elevation gain include, Yakima Skyline Trail in Selah & Round Mountain near Clear Lake.
• While the initial climb is strenuous, its completely under tree cover offering much needed shade cover as we climb. Once we clear the ridgeline, the last 0.8 miles get increasingly exposed to the elements as we approach the Fire Tower. The Fire Tower is open to the public and while there's not much inside, it does provide respite from the elements.

Let's conquer the trail to Jumpoff Lookout together and be rewarded with unforgettable memories!