Grassy Top Mountain Trail
Summit Elevation: 6,375 feet
Hiking Distance: 8 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Access: Most vehicles. July to Early October.
WillhiteWeb.com
Lying just south of the Salmo-Priest Wilderness, this mountain offers plenty of views and a well maintained trail through sub-alpine old growth forests. The large open slopes the trail cuts across could afford views of animal viewing, maybe even a grizzly bear. The hike is much more interesting if you know the history of the mountain. Gaining one of the highpoints is also a good idea for the best views. The hiking guides all seem to end at the named summit which has views but ending at point 6375 is best. There is a trail up, see map. Also, bushwhacking up to the highest summit (point 6482) is worth the effort.
For the history of the fire lookouts on this mountain, see:
Access:
Get yourself to Pass Creek Pass. Most vehicles should be fine coming from Sullivan Lake or from the Idaho side. The trail is unsigned leaving off the roadway about 0.1 miles west of the pass. Parking is best at the pass and just walk down the road to the trail.
Trailhead easy to miss shown here just down from Pass Creek Pass.
Grassy Top Mountain trail in the open area.
A trail over to Hall Mountain branches off along the route. Other easier ways exist to Hall.
Looking over to Hall Mountain.
Grassy Top Mountain trail in the forest.
Looking south to Molybdenite Mountain
Looking West
View of the North summit of Grassy Top Mountain.
Looking South with North Baldy Mountain in the far distance center.
Looking East to the Idaho Selkirk Divide from the named summit of Grassy Top Mountain.
Grassy Top Mountain south peak
Sullivan Mountain and the standing fire lookout on top.
Headed to the named summit of Grassy Top Mountain, traversing trail under better summit.
So many mountains to hike.
Looking west with Hall Mountain in center.
Looking North with the Shedrock Divide Peaks, starting with Round Top, Mankato Mountain and Helmer Mountain.