Grass Camp

Grass Camp Trail covers varied terrain southeast of Blewett Pass, climbing through recovering forest, basalt cliff bands, and open meadows along the West Fork of Naneum Creek. The route passes a controlled burn site from the 1970s that has become a long-running forest recovery study area. Massive basalt cliffs line the West Fork drainage, and the trail dips into Naneum Meadow before climbing steeply northeast through lodgepole pine forest.

The meadow sections deliver the payoff: wildflower displays from late June into July, views across Howard Creek drainage, and the open feel of the eastern Cascades transitioning to shrub-steppe. Elk frequent the meadows, and birding is productive in the mixed habitat zones. The trail connects with Naneum Rim, Naneum Creek, and Table Mountain trails, making it a key link in the network of loops that define hiking in the Naneum basin.

Road access is the crux. FR 9716 from Blewett Pass can hold snow and mud well into May, and multiple vehicles have gotten stuck on the slushy turns in spring. Wait until late May or June to attempt the drive unless you have a capable vehicle and current road intel.