Tonga Ridge
Aug 28, 2009
by
OutdoorDan
—
last modified
Aug 28, 2009 06:52 PM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Tonga Ridge / Mount Sawyer
- Region: Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - West
- Agency: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Skykomish Ranger District
- Trails: Tonga Ridge (#1058)
- Avg Rating: 3.60
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
- Ripe berries
- Be Aware Of
- Bugs
Mt. Daniel and Mt. Hinman from Mt. Sawyer by Dan Yates
What a great day for a hike. Clouds were rolling in back in town but it was sunny in the mountains! I made for the Tonga Ridge with climbing Mt. Sawyer in mind. The road up to the trail was an easy drive and offered glimpses of the mountain ridges I would be seeing. I arrived at the trailhead and counted 9 other vehicles. While it should have been busy I encountered very few people. The Tonga ridge trail started off with a quick climb through cool forest. At the top of the first hill I found 3 people working on the trail. Thank you guys for maintaining the trail. As the trail progressed I went through shady and open spots with great views of the mountain ridges. I crossed over 3 fallen trees that I literally stepped over and these were the only real obsticles I encounter the whole hike. The only bummer on the trail were the pockets of flies that would swarm me when I paused for a break sometimes. About 2 miles in I came across a meadow with wildflowers wanning fast, however there were plenty of ripe huckleberries from here on out and I helped myself a few times.
Right after the meadow I found the steep trail to Mt. Sawyer marked by a couple medium rocks and a small pink ribbon. The spur trail leveled off quick but left the fairly shady Tonga Ridge Trail behind for an open slope. Here the mountain view really kicked in! After about 1/2 hour I reached the top Mt. Sawyer and took in a 160 degree view of mountain, ridges, and the forest valleys below. This trail was worth the effort in the warm sun. Bring water lots of water if its warm, you'll want it. On the way back I passed one lady on the way down and another group coming up. For all the cars at the trailhead I sure felt like I had the place to myself.
Right after the meadow I found the steep trail to Mt. Sawyer marked by a couple medium rocks and a small pink ribbon. The spur trail leveled off quick but left the fairly shady Tonga Ridge Trail behind for an open slope. Here the mountain view really kicked in! After about 1/2 hour I reached the top Mt. Sawyer and took in a 160 degree view of mountain, ridges, and the forest valleys below. This trail was worth the effort in the warm sun. Bring water lots of water if its warm, you'll want it. On the way back I passed one lady on the way down and another group coming up. For all the cars at the trailhead I sure felt like I had the place to myself.
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Mtn. peak east of Mt. Sawyer by Dan Yates
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