Tronsen Ridge

Tronsen Ridge sits on the dry side of the Cascades near Blewett Pass, and it behaves nothing like the wet west-side trails most Washington hikers are used to. The ridge runs through open meadows, scattered ponderosa pine, and basalt spires with views spanning from the Stuart Range to the eastern steppe. The landscape has a semi-arid, almost high desert character that sets it apart from nearly everything else in the Central Cascades.

The wildflower display here is exceptional. Trip reports from June 2025 documented 94 species in bloom on a single outing, including Tweedy's lewisia, prairie smoke, bitterroot, and multiple species of penstemon and larkspur. The flowers peak in early to mid June when the meadows light up across the entire ridgeline. Fall brings its own rewards with golden larch stands scattered along the ridge and long views through clear autumn air.

The trail follows a jeep track through an old burn zone before reaching the ridge proper, where the tread winds through patchwork meadows and pine groves. The grade is gentle and the footing is good. Two trailhead options exist: the southern approach from Ken Wilcox Horse Camp via FR 9712, and a northern access from Five Mile Road (FR 7224) that requires high clearance. Sun exposure is significant in summer, so carry plenty of water and start early on hot days.