From the east end of Gold Bar, go 4.9 miles to FR 62 on the right. There is a gate that should be open but has closed in recent years at times. Drive FR 62 for 4.2 miles to a split with FR 6221 and another gate. Park here, preferably in some turnouts just downhill near Procter Creek and away from the gate.

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Haystack Mountain & Little Haystack (TOC Rock)

These are two bumps along Highway 2 between Gold Bar and Index. Both are low elevation options for peakbaggers or off-trail hikers who are just curious about them. If the weather is good, they have moderate views.

Distance: 3 miles & 0.75 mile
Summit Elevations: 2,715 feet & 1,460 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet & 400 feet
Access: Good Gravel

Haystack Mountain Route:

WA Hikes & Climbs

Haystack Mountain Access:

Hike or bike the road for 2 miles to a saddle that connects Haystack Mountain to the big ones on your left. There is a Y at this saddle. The Haystack Road is (currently) overgrown and takes off to the right just before the Y intersection. Follow the overgrown road as it works over to Haystack, then begins to encircle the mountain via the east side to the north side. Leave the old road at any point and bushwhack up to the summit.

Go up FR 62 for around 1 mile (see map below) to a curve where turnouts are on both sides of the road.

Little Haystack Route:

Little Haystack Access:

The turnout on the north side of the road upon inspection is actually the start of a road that has been abandoned with a tank trap. Go over the embankment and follow the roadbed for a few minutes. If you want a quick view, stay on the road until it comes to an old landing. Good views up valley. For TOC Rock, you need to leave the road where it starts climbing up to the viewpoint. The way climbs a steep hill between the cliffs. It is an ugly little climb at first because of the sticker bushes and logging debris. At the top of the ridge, the forest is really nice, although it is ready to harvest so it won't be there much longer. Hike to the east ridge of the highest knob. Take this ridge, which quickly reveals a minor scramble on some rocks. Although a way may exist going around to the south of them, the best views are just up this route. The very summit is just past a rocky area that gives the impression you are on top. No views at the very top.