Norse Peak Trail

Directions

Halfcamp Trailhead: From Enumclaw, drive east on State Highway 410 for 33.1 miles to the Crystal Mountain Road (Forest Service road 7190). Turn left onto the Crystal Mountain Road and follow 4.2 miles. Park on the right side of the road and walk 500 feet up Forest Service road 7190410 to trailhead on left. There are 7 parking spaces on road shoulder.

Notes

Hikers seeking alpine scenery with panoramic views and patches of wildflowers won't be disappointed. This trail provides access to the Norse Peak View Trail which enters the Norse Peak Wilderness. In the summer be prepared for dust, biting flies and carry extra water for this is a dry trail.

Begin this trail 500 feet up Forest Service Road 7190410. It is a steady climb up this steep route. Reach the junction with the Norse Peak View Trail 1191.1 at mile 4.0, which takes off to Norse Peak, an old lookout site. On a clear day the peak offers views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Stuart, Glacier Peak, Mount Baker and the Olympics. As you climb up the Norse Peak Trail enjoy the beautiful close-up views of Mt. Rainier. At mile 4.8 cross a ridge and descend to the Pacific Crest Trail 2000 at Big Crow Basin. Use the easier grade trail to help stop soil erosion on the steep slopes.

Big Crow Basin has an old Civilian Conservation Corps shelter built in the 1930s that can come in handy during a sudden storm.