Hex Mountain is a small, easy (class 2), peak on the Eastside of the Casacdes. The total elevation gain is only about 2600 feet, but It is a good first/second pre-season warm-up trip. Total round-trip moving time is 4 to 4-1/2 hours. Our total time was about 5-1/2 hours with lunch and whatnot. We had good views of both Stuart to the North and Rainier to the South. Since this is a pre-season climb and the trail is completely covered by snow, the most difficult part of this climb is route-finding. I would highly recommend snow-shoes and not skis. Finally, a good reason to choose this pre-season conditioning climb is when you finish you can stop off at Village Pizza in Roslyn.

Getting There

If you are heading East from Seattle, take exit-80 (Roslyn exit). Drive through Roslyn onto 903. Drive 9 miles to FR 116. You will see a parking area off to the left. Either park there or drive pass the creek and turn right at the second road (about 200 feet passed the parking area).

You will see a yellow gate (GPS: 47.291198/121.09779 -- Elev.2518 feet).
Continue up the road for about 10-15 minutes or so, and you will see a split in the road continue straight (right fork).
After 200 feet or so you will see the road turn left, take this left. I saw tracks in the snow continue straight, do not continue straight.
Follow the road for another 1.7 miles to the HEX mountain trail sign (GPS: 47.30478/121.08050 -- Elev.2650 feet)
Follow the trail to summit. About 1/4 mile before the summit, the trail turns right along the ridge; another 10 minutes and you will reach the summit (GPS: 47.32104/121.06464 -- Elev. 5024 feet).

Red Tape

Trailhead parking permit required -- although, I helped a stranded ranger once and he said they only enforce trailhead parking where there are toilet facilities. It's your call.

When To Climb

Late Dec. through March.

Camping

Tent camping is allowed. No fees.

Mountain Conditions

http://www.atmos.washington.edu/data/pass_report.html

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