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Hike Length: 9 miles round trip
Elev. Change: 1300' gain
Hike Difficulty: Challenging
Type of Hike: In and Out
Season: Summer thru Fall
Trail Numbers: #7, 127
Trail Condition: Good
Trail Access: Good
Trail Signage: Fair
Features: Views, Wildflowers, Ponds
Pet Friendly: Yes
Useage: Low
Permit: NW FP NOT Required
Horses: Yes
Mtn Bikes: Yes

Summary:
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There are a number of ways to climb Cispus Point. This hike begins on Forest Road #5508.024. The trail actually follows the old Indian Trail called the Klickitat Trail. Even though the trail begins climbing immediately, it is never very steep.

After a brief climb, the trail descends to a saddle before beginning to climb again. When you reach the saddle, you leave the dense forested area and enter an open area with spectacular views of Mt St Helens and Mt Adams. Floral displays are wonderful along this trail.

You then climb steeply back into a dense forested area and remain there for nearly 2 miles. There are times when you can see out and get excellent views of the valleys below and the mountains in the distance.


At about 2.5 miles you come to the junction of Trail #128. Continue on another mile to the junction of the Cispus Lookout Trail #127. Take this trail to the top of Cispus Point.

The trail briefly goes through a dense forest, then breaks out into a beautiful meadow, replete with wildflowers and more vistas than the eye can behold. And you aren't even on top of the mountain yet.

Soon the trail begins its steep switchbacked ascent of the mountain. The views from the top of Cispus Peak are as good as they get. Of course, the surrounding mountains help. You get an unparalleled view of Mt Rainier, Mt Adams, and Mt St Helens. The wildflowers are the icing on this cake!


The following images are random samples of the wildflowers found in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Mouseover image to view flower name, and click on image to jump to flower guide.

Directions:

From I-5 junction with US Hwy 12
Travel east on US Hwy 12 for about 48 miles to Randle. From Randle, travel south on State Road 131, crossing the Cowlitz River and in a mile you will come to Cispus Road on your left. Bear left and follow Cispus Road, which become Forest Road 23, for another 5.2 miles and you will come to Forest Road 55 on your left. Turn left onto FR55 and follow it uphill through a number of switchbacks and junctions for 7.5 miles. At that point you will come to the junction with Forest Road 5508. Bear left onto FR5508 and follow it for 1.3 miles, and you will come to Forest Road 024. Bear right onto FR024 and follow it 1.2 miles to the end where you will find the trailhead for this hike.


Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions


Vicinity Map


To contact the Gifford Pinchot NF for current information: Click Here.



A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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Click for PDF