Jumbo Shoulder - Juniper Ridge
The Juniper Ridge Trail to Jumbo Shoulder takes hikers through some truly amazing country. Fires in the early 1900s and volcanic pumice from Mount St. Helens has created near perfect conditions for three of our favorite high country elements - wildflowers, huckleberries, and views, view, views. The unobstructed sight of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens and the Goat Rocks takes your breath away on a clear day.
Hike of the Week:
August 4, 2008
- The view of Mt. Adams along Juniper Ridge. Photo by Jennifer S.
Location: South Cascades - Dark Divide area
Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 1600 ft gain to high of 5500 ft; 400 ft out
Maps: Green Trails No. 333 McCoy Peak; No. 334 Blue Lake
Why Go?
The Juniper Ridge Trail to Jumbo Shoulder takes hikers through some truly amazing country. Fires in the early 1900s denuded this high ridge of trees, and combined with volcanic pumice from Mount St. Helens, created near perfect conditions for three of our favorite high country elements - wildflowers, huckleberries, and views, view, views. The unobstructed sight of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens and the Goat Rocks takes your breath away on a clear day.
The trail lies within the Dark Divide Roadless Area, a region much-deserving of proposed wilderness protection. For now, however, the only drawback for this hike is that it is also a popular trail for motorcycles. If you hike Juniper Ridge in the high-use season, you’ll be hiking through ruts and dust. This trail was not designed for the impacts of motorcycles and has suffered significant damage from them.
Nevertheless, the hike is a treat. Most of the climb is concentrated in the first mile; the rest of the way is more gentle with the views propelling you along. After climbing through forest for a short ways, you'll reach a junction at one mile. Follow the trail straight for Jumbo, or go right for a steep climb up Surprise Peak.
In another half mile, you'll reach the junction with the Juniper Ridge Trail - go left and follow the ridge. Two miles of ridge-walking later, you'll find yourself on Jumbo's Shoulder - a fine place to have a picnic and soak in the views. Or ascend the boot-beaten path up Jumbo Peak and enjoy the 360 degree view from there.
The entire length of Juniper Ridge is worth hiking - this is just the best part. Do note that this entire length of trail is dry. Bring plenty of water and don't expect to camp overnight.
More Information
Guidebook: Day Hiking South Cascades by Dan Nelson & Alan Bauer (Mountaineers Books); Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest (360) 497-1100.
Driving Directions
From Randle, take FR 25 to FR 23. Go left on FR 23 and drive 25 miles until you reach FR 2324. Turn right onto FR 2324, and drive up the steep gravel road, staying right at the fork on the switchback turn. This road is not in good condition, but a careful driver of a sedan can make it up to the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required.
