Jumpoff Ridge
Central CascadesBest Jun–Sep
A brushy, lightly traveled route up an old logging road to a low ridge above the South Fork Skykomish, better suited for explorers than peak-baggers.
About This Trail
Jumpoff Ridge follows an abandoned logging road through dense second-growth forest above the town of Index. The 8-mile round trip gains about 1,800 feet to a modest high point of 2,600 feet, which puts it well below treeline. This is not a summit hike with alpine views. It is a walk in the woods on a road that nature is slowly reclaiming.
The brush is the defining feature. Multiple trip reports warn that long pants are not optional. The route becomes seriously overgrown past about 1.5 miles, and hikers have reported difficulty even confirming they are on the right path. Bitter Creek at 3.2 miles makes a reasonable turnaround for those who have had enough bushwhacking. The cleared area on the ridge at 4 miles offers filtered views but nothing panoramic.
The Forest Service has this road scheduled for conversion to an official trail, but the project is on hold due to funding. The 2022 Bolt Creek Fire also impacted access to this area. With a 1.0 rating on WTA and trip reports describing confusion about even finding the route, this one is strictly for people who enjoy going where nobody else goes. Also known as Bitter Creek Cirque in winter conditions.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- extremely overgrown trail
- route-finding difficulties
- 2022 Bolt Creek Fire impacts to access area
- thorny brush (long pants required)
Getting There
Small roadside pulloff near an old metal gate. Room for a few cars. No facilities, no fee.
Turn off Highway 2 at Index onto Index-Galena Road. Drive 3.9 miles to a small parking area on the right. Look for an old metal gate marking the trailhead. The route follows the old logging road from there.
Start early if you want to cover the full 8 miles. Bushwhacking is slow going and the brush is thickest in summer.
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