Green Mountain — Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024

Suiattle River road is dusty, washboarded and bumpy but once you turn onto Green Mountain road (FS 2680) the road is impeccable! I wish all trailhead roads were this nice... well graded and smooth with plentiful shoulder turnouts for passing. This trail gains 3000 feet in just over 4 miles making for some sustained steep hiking but the switchbacks are well built so it doesn't feel overly painful. The first mile and a half is forested and shaded before you hit the open slopes with full sun exposure for the majority of the hike, which was a relief from the heat on the way back down. There are several nice campsites about half way up but the only water source right now is a small stagnant pond/ tarn. All other creeks and streams that we saw were dry. After the campsites area the blueberries become plentiful and delicious, and we happily grazed our way up to the summit. The lookout is not open but you can walk half way around the catwalk and the views are incredible in every direction. Swarms of ladybugs covered everyone as we snacked and relaxed before heading back down. The reds and golds seemed brighter on the way back down due to the angle of the sun but the smoke from the nearby Sulphur complex fires was getting stronger making the air a bit hazy. We shared the trail this day with several groups but it didn't feel overly busy. A few hunters were out looking for bears and grouse.