The original Hex Mountain trailhead from Hwy 930 is now on private property but is still accessible via the summer routes. For the shortest summer route, apprx. 5 miles, take Forest road 4305 until you see the sign marked "Sasse Mt. TR.' then turn left, then turn left again at the next road marker sign ( which does not call out any hiking trails). Follow this trail to the end which is the summer turn around trailhead. Beware, this area was part of the Jolly Mountain fire in Summer 2017 and vegetation is fragile but passable. Follow the obvious trail up through the forest and switchback uphill, crossing the forest road several times, until the last switchback through the still remaining trees to the bald summit. The summit has a false summit hill in front of it, with a steep approach, before taking the last ascent to the real summit of Hex Mountain. Enjoy 360 degree views of the Enchantments, Lake Cle Elem, Mt. Rainier and the Cascades on a clear day and the surrounding Teanaway peaks. For a longer approach, take Forest Rd. 4305 but do not turn left, follow the forest road, staying right, until you come to the trailhead marker on the left hand side for the Sasse Ridge trail. Follow this trail until you come to a clearing on a hill, then turn left to head up to Hex. Note- this trail is open to motorcycles and mountain bikes and can be very busy in the summertime with both. Trail is a good one to bring dogs on.

Hex Mountain was a beautiful snowshoe (even though I didn't end up using the shoes until near the end of the hike). It's mostly up a forested ridge after you work your way through some forest service/logging roads. There was active work being done, but not right at the time I was there. Beautiful views up along the way to the summit. Parking was a bit of a mystery as to what was acceptable, but I just used common sense and was fine. The road was gated so you start just off of the main road. GPS Trail: https://www.strava.com/activities/933751849

Couple routes to Hex Mountain. Sasse Ridge or private road just west of Newport Creek. Sign posted at the gate says private land but also allows access to foot traffic and snowmobiles. No other motorized vehicles allowed. Gate was open as there is some logging activity going on. If you pull inside the gate, they will lock you in on their way out. A few parking spots just outside the gate. I chose west of Newport Creek. It's a 2 mile dirt road walk from the gate to the posted sign @ the Hex Mountain Trail. Road walk was lacklustre with a thin layer of snow. Snow got progressively deeper the higher I ascended. Wind drift snow was 2 feet deep in some areas and areas wind scoured, just a few inches. Nothing was consistent with the snow depth. Snowshoes, in my opinion, were not necessary. I encountered 2 other hikers, and neither of them were wearing snowshoes. We all summited no problem. It was WINDY! and cold at the summit. Small cornices starting to form. Off and on snow flurries. I didn't stay long. 10 minutes or so. I started my hike @ 10 after 10:00 and back @ my truck 13 minutes after 2:00. Strange weather. Sun trying to break through the clouds. Often, but very brief intermittent sunshine and blue sky. Rain started just as I arrived back @ my truck. Saw some bear prints in the snow on the dirt road. Bears still foraging in this mild weather and shallow snow pack. Fun hike.

Nelson's "Day Hiking" book has good directions for the TH. This trail takes you on a tour of somewhat abused country, from old logged areas to views of the ugly shoreline of the partly drained reservoir of Lk Cle Elum, to a couple of old road crossings, to a trail churned to ruts and dust by motorbikes. Add in gunshot sounds all around, and you get the picture. It is steep in places and feels harder than it should for only about 1400 of gain. Despite all that, once you enter the bizzaro barren world of the summit area ( in about an hour), the hike becomes quite satisfying. This strange area of the brown dirt saddle of the summit complex offers rather stunning views to Rainier, part of the core of the Alpine Lakes, and the Stuart Range. There is new snow on the highest part of the Stuart's. It is weird to see no snow on Hinman and very little on Daniel. Yikes! On the ascent, at the second road crossing, I recommend turning left and following the road for 5-10 minutes. You will end up at the same spot as the trail and will avoid a bad section of switchbacks that have been churned to death by motorcycle wheels. In places this motorcycle "trail" is up to 10 feet wide--a real mess. Frankly, I wouldn't bother with this hike were it not for the satisfying finale. It does also make a good winter adventure, when the messes are softened by snow.