Scorpion Mountain via Johnson Ridge
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
A ridge walk through huckleberry meadows and wildflowers to a 360-degree summit with views from Rainier to Glacier Peak.
About This Trail
Scorpion Mountain does not get the attention it deserves. The trail follows Johnson Ridge through pleasant forest for the first 3 km, then opens onto Sunrise Mountain at the 3.2 km mark with the first big views of Glacier Peak and the Monte Cristo group. From there, the route rolls along the ridge with gentle ups and downs, passing through wildflower meadows at 5.6 km before a steep final push to the 1,689-meter summit.
The top delivers a full 360-degree panorama. Poet Ridge, Grizzly Mountain, and the Chiwaukums to the east. Captain Point, Fernow, Daniel, Hinman, and Cathedral Rock to the south. Evergreen, Sloan, Benchmark, and Fortune to the north. Baring, Spire, Troublesome, and Rainier to the west. It is a remarkable view roster for a trail that rarely feels crowded.
Late summer and early fall are the prime window. Huckleberries and blueberries line the ridge in August and September. Fall color fills the meadows by late September. For an extension, Joan Lake sits 0.8 km below the summit, dropping 150 meters. Adding it stretches the day to about 16 km round trip.
Note: Beckler Road (FR 65) provides the primary access and is closed indefinitely as of late December 2025 due to flood damage. Check road conditions before planning.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Beckler Road (FR 65) closed due to flood damage (check current status)
- last mile of access road has runoff ruts
- no water on the ridge
- exposed ridge in storms
Getting There
Small trailhead fits 6 to 8 cars with some shoulder parking. No pass required. No facilities. Access via Beckler Road (FR 65) to NF-6520, about 7 miles of paved road then 7 miles of gravel. Last mile has ruts but sedans have managed it when dry.
From the Johnson Ridge trailhead, follow the trail through forest to Sunrise Mountain (3.2 km), then continue along the ridge through meadows to the summit (6.9 km). For Joan Lake, descend 0.8 km off the south side of the summit, dropping about 150 meters.
Start by 8 or 9 AM on hot days. The ridge is exposed and heats up in the afternoon. Most parties finish in 5 to 6 hours. The road takes about 30 minutes from Highway 2.
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