Ousel Peak Trail #331

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Parking is slightly down the road from the trailhead. Keep in mind it is a 70mph road, and the trail starts on a blind corner. If you are bringing a pet, ensure they are kept on the leash until you're into the woods. The cars on the road are cruising, especially during peak season. The turn-off parking will hold 7-10 cars max.

This is a rather difficult trail as it is straight up from the road. The grade is rather consistent right from the start with very little relief until the top. Most of the trail is in dense woods and green foliage on the way up. The foliage will begin to thin as you approach the summit. Don't get fooled by the false summit about 0.75 miles from the top—you still have some climbing to do.

When you reach the summit, there is a pile of old wood left from an old lookout tower. While I went on a cloudy day in late September that was dumping snow, the views were still great. Expect a sheer drop off of roughly 2000' on both sides of the summit ridgeline.

Overall, this trail makes for roughly 7.3 miles out and back. The trail does continue down the ridgeline to the south but it turns into a wildlife trail very fast after the summit.

Lots of Flora changes as you go up elevationally. Wet side of the mountain - very lush and green. Bring bear spray, on any trails in the area!