Pear Butte, Bismark Peak

I find 2 spellings for Bismark (Bismarck)Peak. There are few reports so I decided to write a report covering my 2 day backpack trip. This hike starts at Pear Butte Trail #979 in the Bumping Reservoir area in Yakima County. The parking lot for the trailhead is on the right side of the road a short distance after crossing Copper Creek on Rd 1808. The trail is on the left side of the road. The Pear Butte Trail has been maintained recently at least to the junction (5.3 miles) with Bismark Peak Trail. There are great views from the ridge top trail after a couple of miles making the trail worth hiking even if Pear Butte or Bismark Peak is not your destination. There is a sign at the junction of Pear Butte and Bismark Peak Trail about 15 minutes past the only meadow up to that point. This junction could be missed because the sign is not very visible. The Bismark Peak trail is seldom used, and may be a challenge for some to follow, although Bismark Peak is visible much of the time and the route along the ridge is obvious. Unlike some regions there are many elk and goats in this area that make numerous trails, so expect a few intersecting trails that sometimes look as well used as the Bismark Peak Trail. A short distance down the trail in a saddle is a game trail that intersects the Bismark Trail. The correct route is straight ahead. There are a few trees blazed along this trail to mark the route. I sometime walked off trail on the ridge top just for the views. That is often where the elk and goats walk. There were a large variety of wildflowers blooming and many butterflies. Columbia lewisia,several penstemons (almost gone), bear grass, Ivesia and several species of buckwheat are blooming. There is no water until almost reaching a large meadow at the base (SW) of Bismark Peak. I spent the night in the meadow. I explored the first afternoon, climbing east to the pass and SW to point 6816. I started the climb to Bismark Peak (elev. 7484 feet) early Sunday morning. I decided to go north and top a ridge that connects Mt Aix with Bismark Peak. Once on the ridge top I climbed south through lose rock and around the east flank of Bismarck and to the top. I came down to the pass (SW of the summit) mentioned earlier. Either route is good, but there is no trail most of the way. Experienced cross country hikers should not have a problem reaching the summit. The ridge to the north can be hiked to Mt Aix or visa versa. The early morning views were fantastic. A few low patches of fog, which rapidly burned off obscured the views. Mt Rainier, Adams, St. Helens, the Goat Rocks, including Gilbert Peak, Fifes Peak, Mt Aix, Shellrock Peak, Pear Butte, Mt Stuart and many other landmarks to numerous to mention were visible. I signed the Peak Register after drying it in the sun for about an hour while I was taking photos. One other person signed this year. In all, since 2004 there were about 35 people on the register. This is a strenuous hike but well worth the effort. The crowds that are at Mt Aix will not be here. See more photos of this area at: http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/573774382YUBUiD