Hike Johnson Ridge to Scorpion Mountain

Snohomish County, Washington

Save

View all 5 photos

All 5 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

9 miles

Elevation Gain

2650 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Thadd Zehnder

Hike through unprotected forest into the Wild Sky and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness areas on quite possibly the best trail in the Skykomish River valley for flowered meadows, alpine views, and ridge hiking.

From Skykomish, WA drive east on SR 2 roughly 1 mile and turn left on the Beckler River Road, FS RD 65. Drive north on this road approximately 7 miles taking a sharp right at the pavement's end just before crossing the Rapid River. You are now on FS RD 6520. Continue on this road bearing left at an unmarked junction. Drive another 4 miles beyond the junction to the road's end and the trailhead (elev 3700 ft). Several great views are available along this road, but don't spend all of your time setting along the roadside, the views are much better from the wilderness areas.

The trail starts rather steeply on an old logging road turned trail. Several good peaks at what awaits can be had along this section and the wildflowers bloom along the trail as soon as you leave the parking area. At about 0.75 mile the grade eases and the road/trail becomes simply a trail. Keep your eyes peeled for berries and mushrooms as you continue through the forest. A steep section of trail precedes the trail coming around the summit of Sunrise Mountain (elev 5050 ft) approximately 2 miles from the trail head. Views of Glacier and Monte Cristo peaks can be had from this vantage as well as mountain meadows.

The trail descend steeply from here before once again climbing steeply to a narrow ridge. At 3.5 miles enter a wildflower filled meadow. The trail slowly gains a little more elevation as it proceeds just below the summit of Scorpion peak. Continue along the trail to an unmarked junction. Left will take you up to the summit (elev 5540 ft) and 360 degree views, right will take you through several large meadows and down to a lovely little lake, Joan Lake. Campsites and fishing are available at the lake.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Fishing

Photography

Hiking

Forest

Lake

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Hike Johnson Ridge to Scorpion Mountain Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Evergreen Mountain Lookout

This is a relatively short hike, at only 2.6 miles round trip, that takes you up to the nearly 5600 foot summit. The hike may be short but it is extremely steep, gaining 1300ft in the 1.3 miles to the summit, so be prepared for a good leg workout. On the way to the top you will walk through fields of wildflowers if the time of year is right. I went in early August and it was beautiful. At the t...

Beckler Peak

Looking for a gradual forest hike up to a peak with 360° views of the Cascades? Beckler Peak trail winds through old growth, past rushing waterfalls, and up to a granite summit. From the top, you can see mountains in the Cascades such as Glacier Peak, Mount Baring, Mount Index, Evergreen Mountain, Mount Rainier, and the Monte Cristo Range. You can also see Blanca Lake from the summit! I did...

Day Hike to Lake Valhalla

The Smith Brook trail starts off with several switchbacks, then continues up to Union Gap where it meets the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn south (left) at Union Gap and continue hiking until you reach the gap between Mount Lichtenberg and McCausland, where you get a first glimpse of Lake Valhalla.Just before reaching the gap, a boot trail follows the ridge up to an old lookout site at Mount McCausl...

Skyline Lake Trail

This 2.5 mile roundtrip hike with a little over 1,000 feet of elevation gain is a great winter trip for beginners. The trail is typically well-worn, making it easy to stay on target even in some of the most difficult conditions. If you have route finding and off trail skills, you can venture out to explore nearby Rock Gardens, Sky Mountain, and Heather Ridge. Another great option is to snow ...

Snowshoe Lake Valhalla

You start out at Stevens Pass just across the street from the lodge. The trailhead is slightly hidden but it is located to the left of the substation. Parking is plenty before ski-season. Once you are all geared up, you wanna hit the trail running cause this is a long one to snowshoe. With shorter days comes shorter hikes. Being 11.6 miles, this hike will be just within reach of completion whi...

Hike to Josephine Lake

Starting in the parking lot at Steven's Pass Ski Resort (roughly 4,062 feet in elevation; I recommend parking in E lot), start by walking between the two main lodges towards the ski lifts. You'll see a trail on the northwest-facing slope that switches back across the mountain - this is the PCT. Once on the PCT, continue through dense foliage and towering pines as you pass under the ski lifts an...