Mount Persis
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
Short, steep boot path to a panoramic summit above Index with views of Baring, Index, and Baker.
About This Trail
Mount Persis rises sharply above the Index area, offering a short but brutal climb through young forest, old cedar groves, and talus fields to a 5,464-foot summit. The route is more boot path than trail, disappearing through undergrowth in places. The first mile packs the steepest pitches, where grabbing tree roots and branches becomes necessary to make upward progress.
The summit rewards with a front-row view of Mount Index, Mount Baring, Gunn Peak, and the Index Town Wall. On clear days, Baker and Rainier bookend the horizon. The ridgeline approach crosses open talus with good views in every direction. Fall color in the lower forest adds another reason to visit in September or October.
Access is complicated by a gated forest road that sometimes adds up to 11 miles of road walking round trip. Some hikers bring bikes to shorten the approach. A recreational permit from Hampton Resources is required since the trail crosses private timber land. Check road access status before committing to the drive.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Snow covers the upper slopes through April and May, making route-finding difficult. The access road is sometimes gated at Highway 2, which adds significant road walking. Trail is in rough shape with intermittent tread throughout.
“The views were just spectacular up there.”
Last report: Nov 16, 2025
Scorecard
Road gate and difficult access keep this trail very lightly used. Expect solitude even on summer weekends.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Access road frequently gated, adding up to 11 miles of road walking
- Boot path disappears in undergrowth in places
- Snow on upper slopes into May creates false summit confusion
- Crosses private timber land requiring Hampton Resources permit
Getting There
From US 2 near Index, take Forest Road 62 for 3.5 miles, then FR 6220. Check gate status before driving. Some hikers bike the road when gated. Hampton Resources recreational permit required.
Recent Reports
Persis has been on to-do list for many years. I first tried to climb it in early May, but there was still a lot of snow present and I lost the trail and thought I summited only to get home and realize I’d actually hit a false-summit well below and west of the real summit.
This is a tale of a mountain not climbed. The road was gated shut just as we pulled off Highway 2.
This one has been on my wish list since last year and I didn't really want to do it because of the 11 mi road walk RT and I suck at bike riding (including an e-bike haha). It's a sunny Thursday.
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