Tatoosh Ridge — Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025

I did not plan for this one adequately. Got a very late start, hitting the trail at 11:20am. It was sunny, hot, smokey, buggy, and went through 3.5L of water way faster than I expected. Turned around at the junction for the first unnamed peak due to lack of water and wanting to play it safe.

Road: passable by most vehicles with care. The road does narrow to a single lane with few places to pass towards the trailhead. Take it slow. Turn your lights on. Pay attention.

Parking: over 30 vehicles parked on the side of the road. No privy

Trail: starts very steep and stays that way until the ridge. Dry, dusty and buggy in the trees. Delicious huckleberries and a few blueberry patches about halfway up the first uphill section. Saw around 50 hikers today, I didn’t realize this trail was so popular. Tons of backpackers too which was surprising. There was a trickle of water towards the top of the initial uphill section, probably a half mile or so before the junction with the lake trail. Wish I had brought my filter.

The flowers on the ridge were great but are nearing the end of their peak bloom. Adams, St Helens, and Goat Rocks were visible through the smokey haze. It was a decent hike but start as early as you can in this heat. The sun exposure is very extreme.

Timing:
11:20am start
2:20pm turnaround point at junction with unnamed peak trail
3:55pm back at car
4:40pm back to hwy 12

Probably will not return to this trail to finish it until it cools off a bit