Beautiful day to hike up to the ridge. First time on this trail for both my sister and myself. Some confusion about which trailhead is where but we navigated any difficulties just fine. Really rough road going up but my Forester made it easily (just take it slow). We parked at a small pull off just past the Elk Lake trailhead (#805), where there was a small sign which said "Jeff Ridge Trail" (see pics). From this starting point it was a steep and quick climb along a very densely vegetated path up to the road and the better known trailhead (that is pictured on WTA's description page). Only 1 major blow down on this stretch but nothing impassable. From here it was another steep and densely vegetated climb to the road once again. We didn't expect to have to cross the road twice so it threw us off. Ended up walking along it for a little (to the gate and back, then to the weather station and back) before going up the steep and gravely trail directly across from where we came out onto the road (where the ridge really begins I guess). Once we started going up this the views became amazing. This stretch of trail is also where we started to see some snow. Nothing major at first but the higher we climbed the deeper it got. It reached a point it was consistently knee deep on a steep, narrow trail. We got pretty far along it but decided not to make it to the very end where the fire tower once stood, not because hiking in the snow was too difficult, but because of the snow-blindness we experienced (1 pair of sunglasses for 2 people...) We stayed and played in the snow for quite a while, snacked, and took in amazing views of the landscapes below and above. Quite clear, 70 degree and sunny weather, the glaciers of Rainier were VERY clear and distinctively floated above the sound below, like a floating mountain. To the east we also had crisp views of the Hood Canal, Puget Sound, Seattle skyline, Mt Baker, the Cascades, and (what I believe was) Mt St Helens far off to the south of Rainier! Views into and around the Olympics were also great, although unfortunately I cannot name the peaks. Overall fantastic hike and will be back time and time again. Best part was we had the whole trail to ourselves. Was certainly a work out though, both for us and for the car. Just be prepared and enjoy the views!

Can't get up to trailhead due to three blowdowns right past the Boulder had to turn around

Don't use the coordinates with GPS to find trailhead it doesn't work! Follow the written directions except that FSR 2408 is actually FSR 2480. Road gets a bit rough on the way up. There was one trailhead sign but you can keep driving and skip about a half mile of straight up hiking. We had to park and walk about 200 feet because of a downed tree. Trail was in fine condition. Some patches of snow as we got higher but not impassable with the correct footwear and gumption. Temps were fine but we got rained and sleeted on so it was a bit chilly. Got some hazy views. Overall good hike, would be better on a clear day.

Because it was hard to find current info on this particular trail, I tried the GPS on my phone using the coordinates given in the description. Near the elk lake trailhead, ok, but no trail marked #808 to be found. Elk lake trail #805 is impossible to connect by the way due to bridge out and heavy current at crossing. On the way home, stopped in a ranger station and got a free topo of supposive jefferson ridge for next time..

Hiked Jefferson Ridge for the first time. The road going up towards the ridge is rocky with deep ruts. A vehicle with good ground clearance and 4wd/AWD should be driven up to the trail. The lower and upper trail heads off the dirt are clearly marked and appear newly installed. We encountered wet snow on the ground at the top of ridge. The trail is very easy to follow. Hope to return again when the weather is much better and you can actually see a view without clouds or fog.