www.willhiteweb.com - Hiking, Climbing and Travel
These are 4 dumpster divers south of Elbe on the way to the Nisqually entrance to Mt. Rainier. There are several others as well in the area. In nice weather, some of these hikes can produce some nice views. The highpoints listed below are in order of how easy they are to access.
Spiraltop, Doubletop, Stumptop, Alder Overlook
Distance: Up to 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 or less feet
Summit Elevations: 2,000 - 2,700 foot range
Access: Paved
This is the best one for views and hiking. Almost all the pictures on this page are from Spiral top. Park at the gate at the base and just follow the road as it spirals around the mountain a few times to reach the summit.
"Spiraltop"
Stump top is really low elevation but can have a few views. Park at the gate off the paved road to the small town of Mineral. Road is easy to follow to the summit area where you will have to step off the road into the woods a few feet to find the highest point.
"Stumptop"
Looking over Stump Top and Round Top to Mount Rainier
Looking north with "Double Top" in center & peak 3220 on horizon on right
The other Storm King Mountain
The other "Mt. Goodie"
"Snugtop"
National Lookout
Roundtop
Mount Wow
"Stumptop"
Looking west with Stahl Mountain on left and sliver of Alder Lake below
Tree farming
Looking east with a distant Mt. Rainier on the left and Tatoosh Range in center
"Spiraltop"
Alder Overlook is on DNR land but the access road passes private land adjacent to the paved Pleasant Valley Road. Hence, you will find a private gate. If you can get beyond the gate, you'll find a road to the summit. This is a road that I put in for a timber sale. I have summated this peak at least 30 times.
"Alder Overlook"
Double top has a road to the summit that has not been gated in the past. The road leaves the pavement near someone's driveway which is a bit confusing. The road is overgrowing at the summit.
"Doubletop"
"Alder Overlook" from the boat ramp on the north side of Alder Lake