Vanson Ridge

At a distance of 5.5 miles from the parking area for the Green River trail along FR 2612, turn right at the junction with Vanson Ridge trail. Follow amidst lush greenery as it twists and turns under towering old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar for a half-mile. The trail then begins to switchback up the ridge, and in another two-tenths of a mile over a total of 450 feet elevation, arrives at a small rocky outcropping and incredible viewpoint over the Green River Valley.

Continuing your exploration, hike up another 1,375 feet over about 2.5 miles on varying degrees of forested switchbacks. Be mindful and alert that mountain bikers frequent this area. There are multiple small creek crossings for water filtering here, and many more partial views of the valley through the trees.

At 3.3 miles, reach a junction. Here, you have the options of visiting Vanson Lake or Vanson Peak. For the lake, turn right onto Goat Mountain trail and follow 0.5 mile, veering right onto Vanson Lake trail and descending to the lake in 0.25 mile. For the peak, pass straight through the junction and onto the signed trail for Vanson Peak. Ascend steeply over about a mile and 800 feet of elevation. Reaching a clearing bordered with blooming beargrass and a rocky outcropping, take in the outstanding views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and nearby Riffe Lake.