Near Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek
View from the first intersection

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek

3.5 (2 Ratings)
The shortest way to get to the Thorp Mountain Lookout, though still steep in spots.
4.3
mi
Distance
1,966
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Views

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.29mi
Distance
1,966ft
Elevation Gain
1,966ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
5,867ft
High Point
4,223ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
There are four ways to get to Thorp Mountain: the Knox Creek Trail, the Thorp Creek Trail, the Kachess Ridge Trail, and the No Name Ridge Trail. This route is actually a combination of Knox Creek, Kachess Ridge, and No Name Ridge. The trail starts from the road and almost immediately starts to switchback. The trail here is quite overgrown, loose, and off-camber. It is exposed as well. At the first intersection, there is a nice lookout, but ultimately you want to go right. The trail (you are now on Kachess Ridge) is much nicer now in the trees. It goes downhill for a little ways, but you'll have to regain this elevation. The trail becomes steep again and more exposed. After that, it will level out, and you'll reach another intersection;go left toward Thorp Mountain. Now it gets steep again. Soon you'll see the lookout, and this is the end. You can see Little Kachess Lake and Thorp Lake. Not sure about Rainier, as it was cloudy. There is a trail that goes past the lookout, but stops shortly afterward. The lookout was not open.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Patrick Heyboer