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An unrelenting trail to a former fire tower on top of a rock spire with incredible 360-degree views.


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.0

KM

56%

Runnable

4,642' 1,415 m

High

3,554' 1,083 m

Low

1,088' 332 m

Up

56' 17 m

Down

17%

Avg Grade (10°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

NF-8810 is well maintained gravel, but narrow. NF-040 is a little rougher but should be accessible by low-clearance cars if you avoid the worst bumps. There is room for about five cars along the road right at the trailhead, and more at a wider spot just past the trail (which is also a good spot to turn your car around).

Description

This is an awesome trail featuring one of the best views around of Adams, as well as great views of Helens, Hood, and the Goat Rocks. Rainier is slightly obstructed and Jefferson will only be visible on a clear day. The trail is very well built but steep - you'll be gaining about 1,400 feet in just over a mile!

The trail starts gaining a lot of elevation right away along dusty singletrack that winds through old growth (at least it is shaded). Although the surface is loose and dusty in the summer, it offers good traction going up and coming down. There are also few rocks or roots until near the top. You'll come a across a few quasi-switchbacks but overall the trail doesn't let up aside from a very short, almost flat section when you mount the ridge.

You should catch a glimpse of the imposing rock spire you're about to summit from here. The trail curves around to the north side of Sleeping Beauty and begins a sequence of switchbacks that rapidly takes you out of the forest and up against the rock face. You'll get the first of many awesome views from here. Take a moment to admire the construction of the remaining set of steep switchbacks made from stacked rocks. The footing on these last switchbacks can be a little loose.

The summit is long and narrow with lots of spots to hang out. The old fire tower was on the westernmost point (to the right as you summit), but will require an easy scramble to get to. Some eyehooks and the grounding cable are all that remain.

Flora & Fauna

Mountain goats call Sleeping Beauty home, but you'll probably have to arrive early to have a chance of seeing them.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Gifford Pinchot

Shared By:

Karl W

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 5 votes

#7416

Overall
  4.6 from 5 votes
5 Star
80%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#314

in Washington

#7,416

Overall
5 Views Last Month
535 Since Aug 19, 2020
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
33%
33%
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Photos

Mt Hood looking southbound
Jul 5, 2022 near White S…, WA
Adams from summit
Jul 5, 2022 near White S…, WA
Mt Adams is only 11 miles from Sleeping Beauty.
Aug 19, 2020 near White S…, WA
Adams from the top of Sleeping Beauty.
Aug 19, 2020 near White S…, WA
Video guide of the Sleeping Beauty Peak Trail with footage of it's features and terrain.
Sep 9, 2022 near White S…, WA
Mount Stubby
Dec 13, 2018 near White S…, WA

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