Blue Mountain

This trip is a good backup destination for Lake Serene, Philadelphia Mountain, or other winter trips in the Index area when avalanche risk is high. 

Getting there

From the Seattle area, take Highway 2 through Sultan and turn north on Sultan Basin Road. Proceed 12.5 miles to where the road to Blue Mountain intersects, about 0.5 miles before the Sultan Basin Road intersects with the South Shore Road at Olney Pass. Park on the shoulder; no passes required.

On the trail

Hike/snowshoe west on the road, which traverses the south slope and switchbacks once to gain the ridge, then runs the ridge to a radio tower. The summit is just north of the road, east of the radio tower. Proceeding west to the former Blue Mountain Lookout site - which is  covered by impenetrable young trees - adds 3.2 miles and 350' gain RT. 

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Category: Basic
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast
• Avalanche Terrain Rating Simple

• Difficulty: basic snowshoe
• Length: 6.2 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,050 ft
• High Point: 3,080 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  Skykomish Ranger District (MBSNF)
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12