Norse Peak

"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."

Meadows While nearby Mt. Rainier National Park attracts droves of visitors this time of year, Norse Peak Wilderness feels lonely and vast by comparison. It has the added advantage of being snow-free early in the season, and during July the Norse Peak trail offers a profusion of wildflowers.

For this show of color and freedom from snow we pay a price -- the former lookout trail's wide-open exposure to the southwest makes it a hot, dry hike. Start early in the morning, and bring plenty of water and film. This highland wilderness is perched on the east boundary of the park and, while you're not at "The Mountain," the views of Mt. Rainier are terrific from here.

Big Crow Basin The ambitious, 4.9-mile walk to the top of 6856-foot Norse Peak is well worth it. And the views from here...WOW! Bring plenty of film for the 360-degree panorama, on a clear day, of Mt. Adams, the Stuart Range, Glacier Peak, Mt. Baker, the Olympics, and more. Even if the clouds move in, there's a high probability of at least seeing Rainier.

There are many more trails in the Norse Peak area than are shown on the maps, and the terrain is open enough for cross-country travel, making custom loop trips possible. In fact, we can thank the high population of horses, or rather, horsemen, for creating a great many more crisscrossing trails here than are needed. One excellent loop option is to return via Bullion Basin. Follow a trail on the east slope of the ridge, then cross over the ridge before Crown Point. There's a footpath that shortcuts over to Bullion Basin and joins the trail down to the ski area.

Nearby Big Crow Basin still has one of the old CCC shelters from the 1930's. The shelter could come in handy in a sudden storm -- I've taken cover there from sleet in August -- and there's a small creek right outside. It reportedly runs dry at the end of the summer, but the campsites at Little Crow Basin have water all summer.

Getting there: From Highway 410 south of Greenwater, turn left on Crystal Mountain Boulevard. In 4.3 miles, Road 410 goes left. Park safely to the side and find the trailhead within 1/4 mile of the road junction. Northwest Forest Pass required. Dogs are welcome on this trail.

Revised 7/2000.

Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.