Red Mountain Trail - Hiking trail near Darrington, Washington, United States - Description

This seldom-used trail leads through an old-growth forest with magnificent, large trees to the site of an old fire lookout built in the 1930’s. Some of the firs in the deep forest on both sides of the trail are as thick at the base as a man is tall.

Excellent views of the glaciers of Pride Basin and south may be had from the old lookout site. A short distance beyond the lookout, the trail ends at a rock outcropping. There is a trail of sorts that continues on past this outcropping and goes straight up. This section is strenuous and not for the inexperienced hiker since the elevation gain is 5000 feet within 4.0 miles of climbing. The blazes are old and not easily seen. There are rewards, however, for the views are beautiful as you climb higher. A semi-trail leads to the 4.0-acre Ruby Lake, which is in a 5100 ft. basin just below Red Mountain.

From the Darrington Ranger Station, take the Mountain Loop Highway approximately 17.0 miles to the Sloan Creek Road #49 and turn left. Follow the road for 6.6 miles to the North Fork Sauk Trail #649. The Red Mountain Trail begins 100 yards in from trailhead, on the left.