Juniper Peak

Juniper is located on the highest and most strategic point on the ridge between the Sunrise Peak Lookout and Tongue Mountain Lookout. Juniper Peak has been on maps since the beginning. You can see it on the 1912 Columbia National Forest map labeled as Juniper Point. Interestingly, no trail was shown on the ridge skirting the peak until the 1950s. The peak had enough significance that the Osborne survey party went here to take panoramic pictures on July 19, 1934. I would guess the summit had been used during high fire potential days.

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Elevation: 5,611 feet
Hiking Distance: 2.4 from north or 3.1 miles from south
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet from north, same from south but lots on the return too
Access: Any vehicle

1937 recreation map

Southwest July 19, 1934

Southeast July 19, 1934

North July 19, 1934

Access & Route

The easiest access is from the north at the saddle on the ridge with the trail to Tongue Mountain. But, I came from the south via access at the Sunrise Peak Trail (see that report for access). I probably don’t recommend this route as there are numerous ups and downs but it does make for a good combo to do Sunrise and Juniper together in one hike. You can even toss in Jumbo Peak if you have the energy.