Tonga Ridge, Mount Sawyer
Aug 25, 2010
by
Susan Elderkin
—
last modified
Aug 26, 2010 09:36 AM
- 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
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Mount Sawyer
- Region: Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - West
- Trails: Mount Sawyer (#1058)
- Avg Rating: 3.50
- Why You Should Go Now
- Ripe berries
In my opinion, the only reasons to hike Tonga Ridge are the huckleberries and to climb Mt. Sawyer. The rest of the hike is kind of bleh. Our trip - a Hike-a-Thon hike with four members of the WTA staff - was only partially successful on both of these ventures.
The Huckleberries - There were a few to scavenge, but the big show is still probably two weeks out. With about 45 minutes of picking, each of us were able to gather about 3/4 of a cup. We had the perennial debate about whether we were actually picking blueberries or huckleberries. The consensus was that the shiny purple berries from the taller bushes along the trail were definitely hucks, but the chalkier blue berries growing from the groundcover were either blueberries or a different variety of huckleberries. Does anyone know the answer to this issue?
Whatever the case, if you go hiking this area now, you will be able to harvest a small amount of berries, but it's a lot of work. I say wait.
The Hike - Tonga Ridge is infuriatingly destinationless. We wandered awhile, thought about trying to find Fisher Lake, harvested huckleberries and wondered why anyone would really want to hike this trail. A few views, but not much.
On the return, however, Lace & I decided to go up the unmarked side trail to Mt. Sawyer. Quickly, we realized that this was the reason to come. Each foot uphill slowly revealed new peaks - gorgeous. The way was initially very steep, but then gained elevation more moderately. There were berry bushes everywhere, just waiting to ripen. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to make the summit, but we found a nice rocky outcrop to take in the view - including the top of Mt. Rainier. I imagine the summit is even more stunning.
The Huckleberries - There were a few to scavenge, but the big show is still probably two weeks out. With about 45 minutes of picking, each of us were able to gather about 3/4 of a cup. We had the perennial debate about whether we were actually picking blueberries or huckleberries. The consensus was that the shiny purple berries from the taller bushes along the trail were definitely hucks, but the chalkier blue berries growing from the groundcover were either blueberries or a different variety of huckleberries. Does anyone know the answer to this issue?
Whatever the case, if you go hiking this area now, you will be able to harvest a small amount of berries, but it's a lot of work. I say wait.
The Hike - Tonga Ridge is infuriatingly destinationless. We wandered awhile, thought about trying to find Fisher Lake, harvested huckleberries and wondered why anyone would really want to hike this trail. A few views, but not much.
On the return, however, Lace & I decided to go up the unmarked side trail to Mt. Sawyer. Quickly, we realized that this was the reason to come. Each foot uphill slowly revealed new peaks - gorgeous. The way was initially very steep, but then gained elevation more moderately. There were berry bushes everywhere, just waiting to ripen. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to make the summit, but we found a nice rocky outcrop to take in the view - including the top of Mt. Rainier. I imagine the summit is even more stunning.
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Hucleberries/blueberries