This hike begins off Forest Road 2324.063 which is off Forest Road 23. This hike begins at the same trail head as the hike to Sunrise Peak. Be aware that this area is open to motorized vehicles, so you are likely to encounter motor-bikes.

The hike begins very very steep. Even though your first steps are downhill, don't let that fool you. The next quarter mile is straight UP!

The hike begins in a very dense forest, but after about a half mile you break out into the open where you will remain for the balance of the hike. Wildflowers are extremely abundant in season and add a great deal of enjoyment to this hike. Also, for most of this hike, you will have fantastic views of Mt Adams to the east.

At about 1 mile you come to a junction to Trail #261A which leads to the top of Sunrise Peak. Bear straight ahead and follow the trail slightly downhill where in another half mile you will come to the Juniper Ridge Trail. Bear left.

The trail will continue to descend just a bit until it reaches the base of a cliffy area. Then the trail begins a rather serious climb along the northwestern side of these cliffs.

In another half mile you will come out onto a more level area with excellent views of Jumbo Peak to the south of you. From here you can see your trail in the distance as it climbs around yet another hilly area.

The trail is fairly level for the next half mile. Then the climbs continues up the northwest side of another hilly area. All along this stretch of the hike you will be face to face with a very large and very steep cliff. The trail does not get very close to this cliff but the views of it are very impressive as you hike along.

After this next climb, the trail comes out at the base of Jumbo Peak. It then takes you on a long route to the northwest, west, then south side of the peak. As you skirt the west side of Jumbo Peak, you will see an old worn trail that follows up the west and northwest flank of the mountain. You will want to return to this trail after you have explored the south side of Jumbo Peak. It is this trail that will lead you to the top of the peak.

Now, the reason to keep on hiking to the south side of Jumbo Peak is because it is from this side that you get the incredible photos of Jumbo. Once you have your photos, then return to the worn trail that will take you to the top.

This hike is one of the best of the best, and even though it is a long drive to get the trail head, the hike is worth every minute of travel time. And, do not let the fact that this a motorized trail keep you from hiking it. It is just too good to miss!!!

Looking north toward Mt Rainier from the summit of Jumbo Peak

From I-5 junction with US Hwy 12
Travel east on US Hwy 12 for about 48 miles to Randle. From Randle, travel south on State Road 131, crossing the Cowlitz River and in a mile you will come to Cispus Road on your left. Bear left and follow Cispus Road, which become Forest Road 23, for another 5.2 miles and you will pass Forest Road 55 on your left. Continue on FR23 for another mile and you will pass Forest Road 083 on your left, which is the road to Layser Cave. But you keep straight ahead on FR23 for another 1.9 miles. You will then come to the junction of Forest Road 28. Just continue on FR23 for another 6.7 miles and you will come to Forest Road 171 on your left which takes you to the Blue Lake trailhead. But you continue south on SR23 for another 2.8 miles. Then you will come to the junction of Forest Road 21. Bear right and continue on FR23 as you cross the Cispus River. Drive another 4.5 miles to the junction of Forest Road 2324. Bear right onto FR2324 and follow this rocky and challenging road uphill for 5.3 miles. Then you will see Forest Road 063 on your left. Make a very sharp left turn onto FR063 and follow this short road uphill to the parking area for this and other hikes in the area.