LOCATION
Snoqualmie Pass/Teanaway, Washington
LENGTH
- 6.5 miles out-and-back
DIFFICULTY
- Moderate — The trail climbs at a steady pace to the ridge, going up 1900 feet over 3.25 miles. The path is in good shape, and most sections aren’t too steep.
WE HIKED IT
- July 2020, about 3.5 hours, including a relaxing lunch at the top
CURRENT INFO
- Visit the Washington Trails Association (WTA) website for more detailed trail info and directions.
GOOD TO KNOW
- No passes are required to park at the Iron Bear trailhead.
- There are no toilets, drinking water, or posted trail maps at the trailhead, so prepare accordingly.
- Various dirt pullouts near the trailhead offer parking. You may find it easiest to park before the road actually ends; upon encountering a large, deep puddle across the road, we decided we preferred to park just before that point and walk the extra 100 yards or so to the trail.
- Dispersed campsites are available if you’d like to stay overnight.
HIGHLIGHTS
Views, views, views! While distant clouds blocked our view of Rainier, we enjoyed a 360 degree view of the surrounding Cascades, particularly nearby Mount Stuart.
THE KIDS’ TAKE
The kids didn’t join us for this one. Considering the 1900 foot elevation gain, it’s a bit beyond what we usually tackle as a family with a four-year-old. With that said, it’s a great option for older kids who are ready for a little more.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
This trail can easily be lengthened if you prefer a long hike, as you can continue on past Teanaway Ridge. If you’re heading out here from Seattle, Cle Ellum and Roslyn offer good eating and drinking options on your way back home. To the southeast, Ellensburg is a good stopover.
Our Experience
Our kids were staying with their grandparents for a week, offering us the perfect opportunity to take an adults-only hike. For those unfamiliar with hiking with young children, an adults-only hike is one that promises a level of freedom seldom experienced by parents on the trail… freedom from whining, from pulling out the Band-aids for minor nicks and cuts, from requests for a snack or a drink every ten minutes, from asking again (and again), to please not walk into the totally avoidable puddle because you will be wet and miserable for the rest of the hike… OK, I think you get the idea.
I do love hiking with my kids, which offers its own unique rewards. Still, a break from the routine is welcome, as is the chance to do a hike that might be a little too challenging for the kids.
We chose a moderate hike on the eastern side of the Cascades where we could escape the cloudy skies of the west. The final stretch to the Iron Bear trailhead follows a dirt road, which took us to a small parking area. There were no signs, so at first we were unsure if this was trailhead parking, or for campers staying at one of the dispersed sites. It was then that we noticed the enormous puddle stretching across the road ahead, and our decision was made. We parked, and made our final approach to the trailhead on foot. Fortunately, within about five minutes we found the trail and were on our way.
The Iron Bear Trail takes you on a steady climb through forests and open ridge lines. Eventually, we came to an intersection where a sign clearly pointed the way to Teanaway Ridge on the right, with the option to continue on the Iron Bear trail to the left. Since our objective was Teanaway Ridge, we continued onward to our right, as the trail became more open, and wildflowers more abundant.
As we climbed, views of the surrounding mountains expanded, and the soil reddened. High levels of metals in the soil make it more difficult for trees to grow, but a variety of colorful flowers were right at home. I noted that we’d probably come a week or so past peak blooming season, although more and more lupine appeared as we crested the ridge, and cheery yellow balsamroot greeted us at the summit.
The expansive views at the summit were well worth the trek. And really, the uphill climb hadn’t been too bad. We pulled out our lunches and gazed across the mountains as we ate.
We were in no hurry to return -i it was hard to pull away from the view — but eventually, we turned to head back. While the trail made its way steadily downhill, the moderate grade meant that it wasn’t too hard on the knees. It felt like we were back at our parking spot in no time (which is not always the case when we’re with the kids). My yearning for the mountains had been met, at least for a time. Now, back at home in front of my computer, I can’t wait to go again.
