Discover Frog Mountain Trail: A Triumph of Conservation and Recreation in Wild Sky Wilderness

By Brandon Tigner

This summer marks the long-awaited opening of Frog Mountain Trail in the Wild Sky Wilderness, in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. This brand new trail — the result of years of dedicated efforts and collaboration — offers hikers and equestrians an exceptional opportunity to explore the beauty of a designated wilderness area. Join Washington Trails Association as we celebrate the remarkable journey of this trail from the inception of the Wild Sky Wilderness to the completion of the Frog Mountain trail.

The upper portion of the trail narrows and leads to some spectacular summer views. Photo by OutdoorAl

Andrea Imler, WTA's Advocacy Director, is thrilled.

"Having a new trail in a designated wilderness is very rare and Frog Mountain provides hikers an easy-to-access hike featuring gorgeous open meadows with an abundance of views to surrounding peaks, including Evergreen Mountain Lookout, at the top," she said. "It'll take pressure off other nearby trails as well."

A New Wilderness & A conservation triumph

The protection of Wild Sky Wilderness was not an easy feat. It took several attempts to pass through Congress, but in May 2008, it became the newest wilderness area in the state of Washington. This significant achievement was driven by the recognition of the area's exceptional natural value and its proximity to the greater Seattle metropolitan area, making it accessible for many people seeking outdoor adventures.

Trails plan for Wild Sky Wilderness

The Wild Sky Wilderness bill, enacted in May 2008, included a visionary provision to develop a trails plan for the wilderness and adjacent lands. The aim was to address the need for more trails in the area, considering its proximity to a large population center. The involvement of interested stakeholders, including Washington Trails Association, was vital in the development of this trails plan.

The 2013 trails plan identified Frog Mountain as one of the highest priority trails due to its potential for a road-to-trail conversion, its accessibility, and the captivating landscapes it would traverse. Situated on a west-facing slope adorned with meadows and offering panoramic views from the summit, Frog Mountain Trail became a focal point for trail development within the Wild Sky Wilderness.

The trail switchbacks many times to reach stunning Frog Mountain views. Photo by OutdoorAl

Many WTA volunteers, including this 2022 crew working on a switchback, were part of the effort to help create the trail. Photo by Brandon Tigner

Collaborative efforts

Washington Trails Association joined forces with 12 other conservation and recreation organizations in 2014 to support the development and construction of the Frog Mountain Trail. This collaborative effort aimed to bring the vision to fruition and provide hikers and equestrians with a remarkable experience while alleviating pressure on other nearby trails.

Now, after more than a decade of planning and construction, Frog Mountain Trail is finally ready to be explored. Pieces of what used to be road are now a trail. And the trail showcases the natural wonders of Wild Sky Wilderness. Hikers and equestrians have access to stunning open meadows with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks, including the iconic Evergreen Mountain Lookout. Its completion marks a significant milestone, as new trails within designated wilderness areas are a rarity.

Building a trail that can stand up to years of use and erosion takes a lot of planning and work. Here, a lower section of Frog Mountain trail comes together in 2019. Photos by Ed Brown

Trail features and enhancements

The Washington Trails Association played an active role in the construction process, ensuring the trail's sustainability and visitor safety. Approximately 300 feet of trail was built by volunteers over 70 work parties, including a 50-foot-long, 2-4-foot-high native log retaining wall near the trailhead. Other enhancements were made near the wilderness boundary to widen the trail for horses, including a rebuilt switchback and trail approaches.

Volunteers work together to haul logs into place in 2019. Photo by Nate Schmidt

The opening of Frog Mountain Trail in Wild Sky Wilderness is a testament to the power of collaboration, conservation and responsible recreation. This trail provides hikers and equestrians with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the splendor of a designated wilderness area and to revel in the natural wonders that await.

Washington Trails Association invites you to embark on a memorable journey along Frog Mountain Trail, celebrating the triumph of preserving our natural treasures and ensuring their accessibility for generations to come. Lace-up your hiking boots or saddle up to embrace the adventure that awaits on Frog Mountain, Wild Sky's newest trail! 

Take action

• Save the Frog Mountain hike to your My Backpack account, and when you hike the trail, file a trip report and help other hikers know what to expect as the seasons change.
• Protecting public lands and creating trails that will last takes time and, most importantly, the voices of hikers. Join WTA's Trail Action Network and create more wins like this one.