Tatoosh Ridge

We drove down to the Tatoosh Wilderness to do the Tatoosh Ridge hike.
We decided not to continue on to Tatoosh Peak, but to head up 6050 peak to get a view of Tatoosh  Lakes. We hiked about 6.7 miles round trip with 3,100 ft of gain.








This trail starts in the forest and steeply gains elevation, 2,600' in the first 2.5 miles. There were lots of woodland wildflowers in bloom in the forest. The monotropes were also proficient.

One section of the forest, had lots of lovely moss hanging from the trees.

As we gained elevation, there were small clearings in the forest where the wildflowers were blooming.
















The trail continued climbing steeply in the forest.

















We enjoyed walking along a trail lined with wildflowers.

We could see Tatoosh Ridge in the distance, with peak 6050 on the far right.












We had some nice distant views of Mt St Helens to the southeast.

As the trail got closer to the upper ridge, the slopes opened up and we saw a wide variety of wildflowers.

As we looked up the hillside, the wildflowers extended as far as our eyes could see.

After the junction with the trail off to Tatoosh Lakes, the trail gained 100 ft over the next 1/2 mile. Here we saw avalanche lilies in a long line going down the slope. Mt St Helens in the far distance.

So much color to be seen along the ridge.

As the trail slowly gained elevation, we began to see Mt Rainier and other Tatoosh Peaks to the north behind us.

We found a nice spot next to the trail, to take a break and soak in the views.

We couldn't help stopping, turning around an enjoying Mt Rainier and the varying assortment of wildflowers along the way.

I loved this portion where the magenta paintbrush was mixed with yellow arnica and green foliage.











At 3 miles from the trailhead, the trail goes around the south end of Tatoosh Ridge, here we had a great view extending from Mt Adams to Mt St Helens










As we continued around, we also saw the Goat Rocks

We decided to head up to peak 6050, this was 400 ft of elevation gain in 0.3 miles.

Looking across at Tatoosh Peak

Fabulous views to the north of Mt Rainier, Little Tahoma, Tatoosh Peaks and Tatoosh Lakes from on top of peak 6050.

We had a fabulous lunch break enjoying the views and wildflowers. While we were up here, we watched clouds roll in and completely obscured Mt Rainier from view.

As we returned along Tatoosh Ridge, I realized the even with Mt Rainier obscured from view, the views of the Tatoosh Peaks from this flowered ridge is stunning!

Some of the other wildflowers and flora we saw along the trail today: