Jester Mountain
Central CascadesBest May–Oct
Open ridge walking on the Teanaway crest with views into the Stuart Range, often combined with Iron Bear and Joker.
About This Trail
Jester Mountain stands at 5,508 feet on the Teanaway Ridge east of Blewett Pass. The standard approach follows the Iron Bear trail to the ridge crest, then traverses east along a boot path to the Jester summit. The final push leaves the Teanaway Ridge trail at the County Line intersection, heading north 200 yards to a grassy slope that leads directly to the top.
The Teanaway Ridge offers open, grassy terrain with views south into the Teanaway drainage and north toward the Stuart Range. Most parties combine Jester with Iron Bear and Joker Mountain as a ridge traverse, adding peaks efficiently along the connecting ridgeline. Snow patches linger on north aspects into late May. The trailhead access requires fording a stream near FR 9714; pullouts before the ford provide parking.
At 4.5 miles round trip with only 628 feet of gain (starting from Iron Bear), the hike is moderate. The open ridgeline is exposed to wind and weather. The Teanaway country dries out early and offers some of the best early-season ridge walking in the Central Cascades.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Road/Trailhead The road to the trailhead is in good shape right up until the lower trailhead parking area.”
Last report: May 17, 2026
Scorecard
Lightly visited. Most parties are Mountaineers groups or peak-baggers doing the ridge traverse. Weekday visits are often solitary.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Stream ford near trailhead on FR 9714
- Exposed ridgeline with no shelter from weather
- Boot path only, not a maintained trail
Getting There
Pullouts along FR 9714 before the stream ford. Limited space for 3-4 vehicles.
Recent Reports
Road/Trailhead The road to the trailhead is in good shape right up until the lower trailhead parking area. As previous reports have stated work is being done on the road to regrade etc.
My buddy and I decided to try for Joker, Jester and Iron Bear on Teanaway Ridge with the hope to see some snow and have a slightly better weather. Started before 8 AM and parked the car at the bottom of Iron Creek Road.
To start the Memorial Day weekend, Cable<3 and I set out on a Teanaway jaunt to Iron Bear, Joker Mountain, and Jester. At the trailhead, there are a few pullouts before reaching the trail's starting point.
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