Burnt Mountain

This short, easy ridge walk climbs to a small summit with huge Cascade views and a chance to see mountain goats.

Start on the Ironstone Mountain Trail, passing the William O. Douglas Wilderness sign to an open bluff with good views. From here, switchback down to the right a couple hundred feet and then traverse just below the ridge line for 0.25 miles before climbing slightly to the ridge top and an open area full of boulders and sagebrush. Just beyond is a junction with the Burnt Mountain Trail.

Keep left on the Ironstone, traversing a steep slope to a saddle with a nice view of Mount Rainier. The trail descends to a broad, wooded saddle and then begins climbing up the slopes of Burnt Mountain. The way is steep and forested, but after about 0.5 miles the trail breaks out of the forest and traverses below Burnt Mountain to a saddle on a south-trending ridge.

At this point, follow a boot path about 100 yards to the rocky summit and enjoy the view: south to Mount Adams and the Goat Rocks; west to Shellrock Peak and Mount Rainier; north to Bismark Peak, Nelson Ridge and Mount Aix; and off to the northeast, the Stuart Range. Watch for mountain goats on the steep slopes below. When you’ve had your fill, return the way you came.

WTA Pro Tip: This area is popular with hunters during the fall hunting season, so wear bright colors to make yourself visible.

extend your hike

If you're hoping for a longer adventure, the Ironstone Mountain Trail continues past Burnt Mountain, taking hikers to Ironstone Mountain and McNeil Peak, and eventually connects to the Rattlesnake Trail.