Norse Peak and Basin Lake

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Norse Peak: 6,858 feet
Elevation gain: 2,900 feet
Distance: 5.5 miles or so
Access: Paved

If you are looking for a hike near the Crystal Mountain Ski Area, Norse Peak is the first place you should go. It is located across from the slopes, has a trail to the summit and is the site of a former lookout. Much of the trail is out of the trees offering great views but no water is found along the route so bring lots. The mountain is the namesake for the areas Norse Peak Wilderness. Loop trips are possible by continuing your hike around the ridgeline on the PCT, then the ski area, then dropping on trails to the resort base, and walking the road to the car.

Hwy 410 Trips

From Enumclaw drive east on State Route 410 about 34 miles and turn left onto Crystal Mountain Road. Signs indicate turn to the Crystal Mountain Ski Area. Drive 4.2 miles to where Gold Hill Road branches left. Park on the right side of the road and walk 500 feet up Gold Hill Road (FS 7190410) to trailhead on left.

Access

Norse Peak had a lookout building built in 1931. I have made a separate page if you want to learn all about this historic site. See link above on left.

Lookout Site

At the moment, I lost my pictures from the summit. These pictures are from a PCT hike skirting the side of the summit area and from an overnight trip up Norse Peak then down to Lake Basin, camping at Basin Lake. I plan to revisit the summit in the future.

Pictures

Having fun in a chimney near Cement Basin

Cliffs above Lake Basin

Camping at Basin Lake (around 1991)

Lookout Page

NE side of Norse Peak from Scout Pass

Looking at Scout Pass from under Norse Peak

Lake Basin and Basin Lake

View from the Pacific Crest Trail down to Basin Lake (2022)