The route starting from Mill Creek trailhead is much more difficult than the other route up Mill Point. For those who like more of a challenge in climbing, this is the route to go. This route also offers a direct path to Tag Alder Lake, and then to the summit rather than having to drop down in elevation to get to Tag Alder lake from the other route. Great views can be had of the Mill Creek cliffs which are just as amazing as the Blodgett Canyon cliffs, but much less accessable.

Getting There

This picture shows the extent to which the area around Mill Point has been burned. These trees are very unstable and could fall with even a little bit of wind.

This route is much more difficult to find and navigate. Basically, if one wants to hike this route, one must make their own path up the north side of Mill Point. Hikers should start at the Mill Creek Trailhead and hike up the well-maintained trail until they can visibly see the cirque where Tag Alder lake lies, about 1.5 miles up the trail. A topo map is essential for finding the place to start hiking up the mountain. When hikers are where they think they are right below the lake, just simply start hiking up.

Route Description

The same 4300 ft. of elevation is gained in this hike, but this time it is in 1.8 miles, almost half of the distance. Most of this climb is through burned forest where the ground is loose and the trees are unstable. Great caution should be taken hiking in this area as the trees could fall at any moment. If a large boulder field is reached, it offers much better climbing than trying to navigate the slippery slopes in the burn area. Once Tag Alder Lake is reached, Mill Point is highly visible to the southeast and a short bushwhack straight up will get one to the summit of Mill Point.

Going back down is even more treacherous than going up so it is recommended that hikers have plenty of time and energy to do this route.

this Boulder field on way up Mill Point from Mill creek offers a welcome break from hiking in loose dirt and burnt trees

Essential Gear

Basic hiking gear and plenty of food and water are essential for this hike as well as a good topographic map and skills in reading it. If one does not have experience with bushwhacking and route finding, this route is highly not recommended.