Norse Peak Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5.5-7.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
15.9 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
982 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Norse Peak Trail is a hard day hike in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This trail is almost 16.0 km long with 982 m of elevation gain. It’s a longer day, but the views of Mount Rainier from the top make it worth it. We recommend planning to hike this trail on a clear day if possible.

Part of the trail is recovering from a forest fire, but it doesn’t detract from the overall experience of the hike.

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Route Description for Norse Peak Trail

Norse Peak is a big hike to complete, but it’s worth the effort. This trail offers a great view of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains of forest, especially on a clear day. If you visit outside of the peak weekend hours, you’re almost guaranteed to have the trail mostly to yourself- definitely a perk!

Part of the trail is recovering from a forest fire, but this increases the number of blooms to enjoy in the early-mid summer.

The hike begins from the parking area on the road. Take Gold Hill Road a short distance to where the trail heads up across a long section of switchback turns. After the route straightens out a bit, keep straight where Goat Lake Trail intersects.

The trail zig-zags and the Norse Peak View Trail split off from Norse Peak Trail. They meet again before the summit, so it doesn’t make too much of a difference which one you take. The two trails converge into the Norse Peak View Trail.

At the summit, the Norse Peak Trail actually continues further to drop down the other side of the peak and meet the PCT. Most hikers just turn around at the summit instead of completing the final stretch of the route.

Getting to the Norse Peak Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for Norse Peak Trail is off Crystal Mountain Blvd where Gold Hill Road intersects.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    June-September

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Norse Peak Trail Elevation Graph

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