Tyee Ridge Highpoints

Starting a hike with grand views is pretty unique in Washington. A trailhead high on Tyee Ridge starts out at a whopping 6,400 feet with views extending far west across the Cascades. (The Tyee Mountain Lookout is just a few more minutes up the road.) This ridge hike is ups and downs, through an area burned heavily by a forest fire in 1994. But, few trees means more views, plus, the forest is quickly coming back. Three highpoints are along the ridgeline. The first is probably best skipped by all but the most adamant peakbaggers. The second is the highpoint of Tyee Ridge, just two feet short of 7,000 feet. The third is Signal Peak, although lower than Tyee Ridge, it has a rocky summit that is more interesting.

To get to this trailhead, you will need a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle for the final 3.5 miles. But before that point, the twisty mountain road is paved. Take the Entiat River Road about 10 miles to the community of Ardenvoir and turn left onto Mad River Road. Take this 14.2 miles to where Forest Road 5713 breaks right. This is the 3.5 mile road that is rough and takes you to the trailhead (4.2 miles to Tyee Lookout). The road isn't maintained, has ruts, is rocky and has long stretches with no pull-outs for passing.

The trail meanders a half mile in meadows and trees before dropping 400 feet to a saddle. Notice the wide fire break constructed by fire crews. The trail then climbs high on the shoulder of Peak 6907 to reach a saddle on the other side. About midway is a highpoint in the trail which makes a good breakpoint up to the summit of 6907. The Tyee Ridge Trail continues past 6907 wrapping around the side of Peak 6998, the highpoint of Tyee Ridge. Once around, the trail skirts just below the summit of Signal Peak. Leave the trail and climb easy terrain 200 feet to the summit of Signal. Then just ridge traverse back to the Tyee Ridge highpoint 6998. Each peak has dramatic cliffs off the north sides.

Washington Hiking & Climbing