Mount Beljica

Picture by Mary Ann Peterson

Title: Lake Christine to Mount Beljica

Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass for Parking

Length: 3.0 Miles

Elevation: 1056 ft gain, 5469 ft high point

Difficulty: Medium/Easy

Description:

With incredible views of Rainier, old growth forests, and beautiful a beautiful lake to boot, this hike is perfect for a family outing (including the dog) without waiting in long lines and paying entrance fees for the National Park! From the trailhead at the end of Forest Road 5920, the trail climbs steeply for 0.8 miles, but flattens out as it reaches Lake Christine. The main trail wraps around the lake to the east, and at 1.2 miles reaches a junction. Head left here, climbing for another 0.25 miles before opening up into a rocky clearing, your summit and one of the best views of Rainier possible! The true summit of Mount Beljica is just a bit further, but is rocky and exposed, so be sure to keep an eye on kids and dogs.

Current Conditions:

07/07/2020 - FR-59 is washed out 0.5 miles in by a massive landslide. Alternate route to the trail: Head West on Hwy 706 from Ashford for 0.4 miles. Turn right onto the road leading to the Amphitheater and Play Park, sticking onto the left road that passes the playground. Continue for 5.8 miles, then keep right at the fork. 3.1 miles later, take another sharp right and continue for 3.2 miles before turning right on NF-5942. 4.2 miles later, take one last right turn, and you’ll reach the trailhead. We cannot vouch for the condition of this road, but suggest off-road tires and high clearance vehicles only.

Directions/ Road Conditions:

From Ashford, drive Hwy 706 east for 3 miles. Keep an eye out for FR-59; if you pass Copper Creek Inn and Restaurant, you’ve gone 0.2 miles too far. Travel 2.7 miles on NF-59 until you hit NF-037, then take a sharp left. 1.5 miles later, take a sharp right onto NF-5920, which you will stay on for another 1.5 miles until you reach the trailhead. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, so be sure to stop in Ashford before you head up!

Coordinates: 46.7734, -121.9446