The Mitchell Peak Trail (aka Mount Mitchell) accesses a former Forest Service fire lookout. Only remnants of the lookout remain, but the views remain impressive. Mitchell Peak can be viewed from areas along Hwy 90 East of Cougar, WA as the distinctive rock spire due south of Mount St. Helens.

The hike begins at the end of a short former dead-end logging road in an area of recent DNR logging activity. There is not obvious parking area, so attempt to park out of the road not blocking other vehicles. The trail is periodically signed, though the signs never seem to last for long before being damaged and removed.

The trail begins by traveling west on an abandoned logging road for about 1/4 of a mile before heading steeply directly south to climb up the north side of the peak. The trail has a number of switchbacks and steep sections before reaching relative flat relief after gaining approximately 800 fast feet in less than a mile.

The trail meanders east over the next mile or so before rounding the peak and following the trail along its east side. Shortly, you come to an Y intersection in the trail. Keep right (the left side trail eventually descends into Siouxon Creek Canyon (different hike). Here, you leave the flat ground to grind out the remaining elevation gain.

After an approximate mile of climbing through scree and woodlands, you reach a viewpoint facing east toward Mount Adams, the Siouxon Canyon and a patchwork of various clear-cuts. Continue gaining on the trail rounding to the south side of the peak for another mile before rising above the treeline and into a pristine alpine meadow.

Shortly, a prominent rocky peak will come into your east view - this is Mitchell Peak. Stay on the obvious meadow trail to arrive at the rocky and rugged (and short) but low grade scramble trail to the summit of the Peak. Watch your footing and your dog. Once gaining on the rock, there is significant vertical exposure to the northwest, north and east.

You will notice the remnants of the old lookout and survey markers on the summit block. Enjoy the amazing 360-degree views with Mount St. Helens dominating the view to the north, Mount Hood to the south and Mount Adams to the east. The West view includes the rocky sub-peaks on the Mitchell Peak ridge. Return the same way to complete the hike. The Peak offers some opportunities for technical and winter climbing when conditions allow.