Marys Peak via East Ridge

The East Ridge is one of the most popular hikes on Marys Peak. This trail leads through a lush forest that is green throughout the year. Colorful wildflowers lure crowds of people to visit the peak in spring and summer, but the mountain is no less lovely in the off-seasons of fall and winter. Salal, sword fern and Oregon grape provide the year-long greenery. Vanilla leaf, trillium, Oregon iris, columbine, asters, and monkeyflower paint a broad palette of colors in the right season. From the top of the East Ridge Trail the summit is just over a half mile away. Follow the gravel road as it winds around the peak to the flat, grassy summit area. If you're lucky, you'll have the picnic table all to yourself. Fortunately there are many nice places to sit, relax and soak in the views that extend from Mount Rainier all the way to southern Oregon on a very clear day. For a special treat, add a couple of additional miles to your trip by tacking on the Meadow Edge Loop, a lovely romp through a stand of noble fir near the top of Marys Peak. It's decorated with a wildflower display in summer, mushrooms in fall, and ice sculptures in winter. This trail is also popular among mountain bikers. Bikes are welcome on the trails between May 15 and October 15. See the North Ridge approach for a longer hiking option to Marys Peak.