Length: 6.5 miles RT
Elevation Change: 2000' Elevation gain
Season: Mid-Summer thru Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Permit: NW Forest Pass Not Required
Features:
NEW!
Click for PDF Topo Map of this Hike
This hike begins on Forest Road #2904 at the trailhead
for both Tongue Mountain to the north, and Juniper Ridge
to the south.
To reach Juniper Peak, head south on Trail #261. This
trail, as all others in this area, is open to motorized
vehicles, so you will find the trail V shaped from the
bike tires. Please be understanding and courteous to
all bikers you encounter. This is the only area where
they are allowed to enjoy their form of recreation.
The trail spends the first half of the distance to
Juniper Peak working its way uphill through densely
forested areas. In season, this entire hike can be
a mosquito heaven.
About 2 miles into the hike and about 1500 feet higher,
you will begin to break out of the dense forest and
have spectacular views. It is the views that draw
a hiker to this ridge and peak. In season this hike
is a floral garden.
Hike to the far end of Juniper Peak itself before
ascending, if only to enjoy the spectacular views
in all directions. Once on top, you can choose any
safe path back down to the trail and then return the
route you came.
Mount Saint Helens peeking over a ridge as seen
from the base of Juniper Peak
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How to get there:
NEW!
Click for PDF Directions Map of this Hike
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. Turn right on FR28 and cross the
Cispus River. A mile from SR23 you will come to the junction of Forest Road 29.
Continue south on SR29 for another 3.7 miles and you will come to Forest Road 2904 on
your left. Turn left onto FR2904 and follow it up a steep and bumpy 4 miles to a
saddle where you will see the Juniper Ridge trail crossing SR2904. Park here to hike
to Tongue Mountain to the north or Juniper Peak to the south.
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