Information about this hike provided in partnership with Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Dan A. Nelson/The Mountaineers Books

Gifford Peak

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Featured In: Day Hiking: South Cascades, by Dan A. Nelson and Alan L. Bauer.
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The Indian Heaven Wilderness is tiny compared to some of the wilderness preserves in Washington, but don't let its size fool you. This is a rare gem with its multitude of sparkling lakes, acres of flower-filled meadows, fields of rich berries, and herds of deer and elk. There are many ways to enter the tiny wilderness area, but from the south the most scenic access is from the top of Red Mountain, a cinder cone volcano.
The trail starts high, and the elevation doesn't change much along the route's length as the trail follows ridges north. The route leads past a historic gathering place of Northwest tribes-the Indian Racetrack-and
traverses a long ridge before ending in the shadow of another volcano, Gifford Peak.

The trail heads due north for just a mile to reach a junction with the Indian Racetrack Trail. The area was a popular gathering ground for a number of native peoples because of its rich abundance of fish, berries, big game, and a variety of roots and tubers.

At the junction with the Racetrack Trail, go right (east) on Trail No. 171A, and in 0.5 mile you'll reach the PCT. Turn north on the PCT and begin a gradual climb to the crest of Berry Mountain, a long, jagged ridge. Berry Mountain is a volcanic formation. It is what remains of vast lava vents that spewed molten basalt onto the land surface. The trail rides the crest of this mountain north.

About 4 miles from the trailhead, the trail crosses the true summit of Berry Mountain-5000 feet-and starts a gentle descent to Blue Lake at the foot of Gifford Peak, 5.5 miles out from the trailhead. There is fine camping available at the lake, and good huckleberry thickets all along the trail. Blue Lake can also be approached from the north.

Driving Directions:

From Carson, drive north on the Wind River Road (County Road 30) 5.6 miles and turn right (east) onto the Panther Creek Road (Forest Road 65). Continue on the Panther Creek Road 11.3 miles to a junction with FR 60. Turn right (east) onto FR 60 and drive 1.6 miles to the junction with FR 6048. Turn left onto FR 6048 and drive 4 miles to the end of the road. Note: This is a one-lane dirt road. High-clearance vehicles are required, and when conditions are wet, four-wheel drive is recommended. The trailhead is about a hundred yards below the summit, at the last hairpin turn in the road.