Mount Muller — Wednesday, Sep. 8, 2021

The Hikes

Hiked up to from Littleton Horse Camp to the ridge top on Sept. 8, hiked to the top of Mueller from the East side on September 9.  Trail is in great condition and well maintained.

East trail head:

Discovered a "new" trailhead for Mueller loop which shortens the distance to the summit, ascending from the East side.  See map attached. About 1500 feet past the crest of the pass where the Soleduc Hot Springs road meets US 101 (MP 219), look for an unmarked spur road on the North side of 101, take the spur road and park  200 feet north of the road in a parking area.   The Olympic discovery trail passes just north, take it and go left (West) 1/10 mile to the two bridges that span creeks draining from the ridge. The trail to Mueller is signed there, go right (uphill) about 2.5 miles to the crest of the ridge, then another 2.2 miles or so to Panorama Point.  It took me 2 hr 15 hiking time to reach Panorama Point and the spur trail to Mueller summit.  

Water:  I only brought 1 Liter water and dearly regretted not bringing two. It was a warm day (70 degrees).  The ridge top is completely dry.  There are only two reliable sources of water: the spring fed creeks where the trail meets the Olympic Discovery trail, and the little seep about two miles up from the Littleton Horse Camp trail head. (Littleton creek was dry, creek flowing underground, you could get some water if you waked up the creekbed a ways).  Bring at least TWO liters of water if you are going for the entire loop, or ascending to the top on a warm day!

Berries:  There were few berries, alas.  All the flowers are done except for a few pearly everlasting.  The beargrass is abundant up on the ridge and it must be nice in July when it is in full bloom.

Note: Verizon thinks you were in Canada if you hike up the east side.  Turn off your phone if you want to avoid Canada roaming charges.