The ride gains approximately 3000 feet on fireroads(15 miles), which some people choose to shuttle. Note that the trail 'downhill' isn't just a roll... there's some sharp short uphills that have
The ride gains approximately 3000 feet on fireroads(15 miles), which some people choose to shuttle. Note that the trail 'downhill' isn't just a roll... there's some sharp short uphills that have to be pedaled or pushed along the way, and exposure that requires some concentration, so save some energy and time for it.
At the top, a mile+/600' detour leads to the top of Little Bald proper. The views from the top are spectacular so it's worth expending the energy at least once to check it out.
How to Find It
From Puget Sound
Head EAST on HWY 410.
Follow 410 noting that you do not turn onto Crystal Mt Blvd and at the T at Cayuse Pass chose SR-410 to Chinook Pass and Yakima.
Travel 23 miles past Chinook Pass.
Directions from Naches
- Head up onto Hwy 410
- Past Whistlin' Jacks is a bridge to the left for Old River Road(FS1709/FS1704)
Turn onto FS 1704, cross the bridge and turn left. Go to the Halfway Flat Campground and park here(1 mile).
Typical Conditions
Central Washington mountains: no-go when snowed in or wet, can get very dusty late in the summer/early fall. A lot of hunters prowling around the area so probably best avoided during modern firearm deer/elk seasons. Motos use this trail as well.
Some of the steep sun exposed areas can get dry and loose - aka tire washout warning.
Local Points of Interest
Once you get to Cliffdell, it may be convenient to note the location of Whistlin Jack Lodge, if you get there early enough for dinner then you saved yourself the first night of camp cooking. Their breakfast is good too. Shortly past Whistlin Jacks, there are public showers available from a mini-mart store on the left hand side.
In the summer it may be hard to find a spot in the campground just a few miles short of Cliffdell. There are other campgrounds throughout the area. Pulling out by the side of the road may be in order if desperate. There are local accomodations in Cliffdell.
Turn by Turn
From the campground head back 1 mile on the road you drove in on and turn left(uphill) on FS1709. Stay on 1709 for 9 miles ignoring multiple junctions - here 1709 ends and becomes 1706(straight and downhill). Stay on 1706 for 5 miles - ride through this junction onto FS 1600. This rough road will take you to the trailhead in a couple miles. You can keep going and turn onto FS 1600-231 which will take you to the summit proper in an additional 1.6 miles. Enough with the road riding, now for the trail.
Little Bald Mountain Trail #961 is easy to follow. It crosses a few logging roads but ends up dropping you into the Halfway Flat Campground after about 11 miles. The first mile or so can be quite technical(loose and rocky). It eases after this. Don't worry, there is still spurts of climbing/hiking the rest of the way but it's mostly down down down.
The last 2 or 3 miles can be dusty and loose.
