Little Huckleberry Mountain

Climb to the top of Little Huckleberry Mountain, where you will be greeted with excellent views of Mount Adams and other Cascade peaks. Though steep at times, the summit and the huckleberries you’ll find along the way make this hike worthwhile.

From the trailhead, immediately start climbing uphill along the ridge as the trail runs parallel to the creek bed below, pockmarked with deep drain dips. As you hike, enjoy the many huckleberry bushes on either side of the trail, with bear grass sprinkled here and there. After about a mile, the grade becomes less steep. Catch glimpses of the Indian Heaven Wilderness to the west as you hike, though the views are partially obscured by trees. You’ll be surrounded by trees until you reach the final approach to the summit.

The trail soon starts ascending more steeply again, this time with the benefit of a series of switchbacks. At about two miles, the trees begin to thin as you make your final approach up Little Huckleberry Mountain’s southwestern side, eventually reaching the summit at about 2.5 miles.

When you reach the summit, take some time to explore. On a clear day you can enjoy views of the area’s major volcanoes: Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, and the particularly prominent Mount Adams, along with smaller surrounding mountains and the Indian Heaven Wilderness. Examine the remains of the old fire lookout. Although only the foundation remains, with its territorial views it’s easy to see why Little Huckleberry Mountain was chosen as a lookout site. After enjoying the summit, follow the trail back down to your car.

Snow tends to linger on Little Huckleberry Mountain until late spring or early summer and returns around mid-October, so Little Huckleberry Mountain is best enjoyed from mid-summer through early October. If you hike in late July or August you’ll likely be treated to delicious huckleberries, while September and October bring beautiful fall colors.