Well, this is my new favorite hike in Washington because I GOT ENGAGED AT THE TOP!! Aside from that, it was a lovely hike.
We went on a Friday morning and saw very few people (maybe 10 on the whole hike?). We parked below the water crossing, but were able to easily cross it on foot and find the trailhead (took about 5 minutes).
The trail is in really good condition. It says it's a multi-use trail at the trailhead, but I can't imagine it's wide enough for a horse or a motorbike. Maybe we misread the sign?
My favorite part of the trail, aside from the top, was once we came out of the forest and were in the low shrubs. The wildflowers were stunning and it felt like a totally different environment.
When you get to the junction with Teanaway Ridge Trail, make sure you take the Ridge Trail! We made the mistake of thinking "Iron Bear" is what we started on, let's continue on Iron Bear. We were wrong and ended up descending many feet only to realize we needed to hike back up before beginning our climb to the peak.
The wildflowers were stunning at the peak. There were a few flowers I had never seen before! And both Mount Rainier and Mount Stuart were visible. It was an amazing day and one I will remember forever. <3
Comments
Maddy on Iron Bear - Teanaway Ridge
Congratulations!!
And yes you read it right. That trail is open to motorcycles in spite of the delicate soils and vegetation. They are also allowed on Miller Peak and Tronsen Ridge. The Forest Service does make some pretty terrible decisions sometimes.
Posted by:
Maddy on Jul 27, 2020 07:21 PM
Xernia on Iron Bear - Teanaway Ridge
Pictures or it didn't happen! :)
Posted by:
Xernia on Jul 29, 2020 09:25 PM