Distance: 4.5 miles one-way
Summit Elevations: 5,056 & 5,540 feet
Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
Access: Good Gravel Road

Johnson Ridge Trail - Sunrise & Scorpion

There are many good reason to hike the Johnson Ridge Trail. First is the trail starts at 3,600 feet. This usually means you will get some views without having to suffer too much climbing up through the dense Washington forests. The Johnson Ridge Trail gives you two summits, first Sunrise Mountain, which offers some decent views, then Scorpion Mountain, which offers stunning views. If that wasn't enough, you can continue just a short distance further to Joan Lake, which is nestled in the meadows just below the summit of Scorpion Mountain.

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WillhiteWeb.com - Washington Hiking & Climbing

Washington Hiking

Take US 2 just 1 mile past the turn-off of the town of Skykomish. Turn left onto the Beckler River Road (Forest Road 65). Follow it 6.9 miles to the end of the pavement and a three-way junction. Make a sharp right turn onto the gravel Forest Road 6520. Follow it for 6.9 miles to the end and the trailhead. (There is one Y intersection at 2.7 miles, bear left).

Access:

The trail starts by steeply climbing an old logging road with young trees. Soon, the trail reaches a defined ridge and enters old-growth. The going gets easier now, with much larger trees for shade and variety. The trail enders the Wild Sky Wilderness, mostly climbing until it reaches Sunrise Mountain. On the summit is one campsite with no water available. Now the trail drops, with a series of ups and downs between Sunrise and Scorpion. During the final climb of Scorpion, the trail hits large open meadows as it traverses below the summit. A hidden trail can be found staying on the West Ridge or follow the main trail to the south ridge where it splits. Left climbs steeply up to the summit while right drops down to Joan Lake.

Route: