Terrace Mountain
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A quiet scramble off Tonga Ridge requiring route-finding skills and Class 2-3 climbing to reach a seldom-visited summit.
About This Trail
Terrace Mountain is a scrambler's objective accessed off the Tonga Ridge Trail near Stevens Pass. The approach follows Tonga Ridge south to the Fisher Lake Trail junction, then Fisher Lake itself, before leaving maintained trail for the summit push. Class 2 and 3 scrambling sections guard the upper mountain, and route-finding experience is not optional.
The mountain sits at 6,361 feet with views across the South Fork Skykomish drainage. The approach through Tonga Ridge meadows is beautiful on its own, with blueberries in late summer and good fall color in October. Fisher Lake makes a reasonable turnaround point for hikers not equipped for the scramble above.
This is a quiet peak. Only three trip reports exist on WTA, and the routes described vary, which tells you something about how few people come up here. Bring a helmet, a map, and GPS. Cell service is unreliable. The northwest ridge route from Fisher Creek offers the most direct line, but multiple approach options exist. Snow lingers late on north aspects.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“We took the Tonga Ridge Trail #1058 south until it leveled out in a beautiful meadow with very nice fall color and abundant blueberries.”
Last report: Aug 6, 2022
Scorecard
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Class 2-3 scrambling required
- Route-finding necessary above Fisher Lake
- No cell service
- Loose rock on scramble sections
- Late-season snow on north aspects
Getting There
Tonga Ridge East Trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required. No toilet at the trailhead.
Access via Tonga Ridge East Trailhead. Hike the Tonga Ridge Trail south to the Fisher Lake Trail junction (about 1.5 miles), then continue to Fisher Lake. From there, leave the maintained trail for the summit scramble. Multiple route options exist above the lake. Bring a map and GPS.
Start early to allow time for route-finding on the scramble. Budget extra hours beyond what the mileage suggests. Clear weather is essential for safe scrambling conditions.
Recent Reports
Blog version (disclaimers) Quick-and-dirty version Access: Tonga Ridge East Trailhead Round Trip: 12 miles Elevation Range: 3680′-6361′ Gear: helmet Dog-Friendly: with guidance Route Hike from Tonga Ridge East Trailhead to Fisher Lake Trail in 1. 5 miles and reach Fisher Lake in another 1.
We took the Tonga Ridge Trail #1058 south until it leveled out in a beautiful meadow with very nice fall color and abundant blueberries. There are a few forks along the way, so have a map or GPS.
In looking at the map it seemed like the NW ridge would be the most direct route to take to Terrace Mountain. It also has obvious markers along the route: follow Fisher Creek to smaller creek coming in from the south, which also marks the edge of the clear cut; follow small creek south to ridge start at 4200'; follow ridge to top of mountain.
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