Poe Mountain via Irving Pass
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A quieter route to one of the best Glacier Peak viewpoints in the Central Cascades, through fire-scarred ridgeline that has opened up even bigger panoramas.
About This Trail
This is the shorter, steeper approach to Poe Mountain, a former fire lookout site sitting at 6,015 feet with commanding views of Glacier Peak and the surrounding wilderness. The route follows the Irving Pass trail before connecting to the Poe Ridge trail, gaining 1,800 feet in about 2.5 miles of steady climbing. It is more direct than the longer route from Little Wenatchee Campground, though the trade-off is a couple of scrambly sections that require hands and feet.
The 2022 White River Fire burned over 14,000 acres here, and the landscape has changed dramatically. Standing dead trees line parts of the ridge, and the trail is drier and more exposed than it used to be. But the fire also opened sightlines that were previously blocked by dense forest, and fireweed puts on a spectacular show through July and August. The summit area itself was spared. Expect blowdowns for years to come.
There is no water anywhere on this route. Carry everything you need. The access road (FR 6504) is rough gravel and adds real time to your drive. Six cars at the trailhead counts as a busy day here, so solitude is nearly guaranteed.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- scramble section with exposure
- no water sources on trail
- standing dead trees (snags) from 2022 fire
- post-fire blowdowns
Getting There
Small pulloff area at the trailhead with room for about six vehicles. No toilet, no fee, no pass required.
From Highway 2, head east past Stevens Pass 3.5 miles and turn left on FR 6700 (Smithbrook). Follow 12.75 miles of gravel to the FR 6500 junction, turn left, then 2.3 miles to unmarked FR 6504. The last 6.2 miles on 6504 are slow going. FR 6500 is closed at the 6504 junction, so all traffic routes through 6504.
Start early if coming from Seattle. The long gravel drive eats time, and the exposed ridge gets hot on summer afternoons with no shade after the fire.
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