Of all the Green Mountains in Washington (and there are many), none is as grand and breathtakingly beautiful as the 6,500-foot (1,981 m) Green Mountain rising over the Suiattle River. And with its sprawling verdant meadows, it may very well be the greenest of the Evergreen State’s Green Mountains as well. Despite such a banal name, this peak is shrouded in alpine meadows that burst with flowers and it offers sweeping views including one of the finest of Glacier Peak, Washington’s forgotten volcano. And if that’s not enough, Green is also graced with a restored historic fire lookout.

From its lofty trailhead, the way starts in forest and steadily ascends. Soon the trail breaks out into meadows. Glance ahead and you’ll see plenty more awaiting you. The trail works its way up a ridgeline and enters the 500,000-plus acre Glacier Peak Wilderness. It then continues through clumps of subalpine forest and showy meadows. If the flower show is over, savor the bountiful berries taking their place.

After continuous climbing, the trail drops 100 feet (30 m) to a pair of small ponds. Take a break and prepare to once again climb. The trail enters an emerald basin and begins steeply traversing the slopes above it. The trail then heads for a ridge crest. Now begin to be captivated with expanding views as you grind toward the summit. Be sure to stay on the trail as thoughtless hikers have trampled the delicate meadows over the years. The Forest Service is trying to restore the damaged sections of meadow. Do be sure to take time to smell the myriad variety of flowers along the way as you march to the summit. A playful marmot or two may also vie for your attention.

After four challenging miles, Green Mountain’s 1933 fire lookout signals that you’ve reached the top. Wipe the sweat from your brow and gaze out over a sea of green forest capped by waves of craggy peaks and icy serrated summits. Mount Buckindy directly to the north commands attention. Directly below you to the east is Downey Creek with its unbroken tracts of ancient forest. And directly below you to the south is the deep U-shaped Suiattle River Valley. Trace the route of this wild waterway from its icy origins on Glacier Peak all the way to its confluence with the Sauk River. And the view of Glacier Peak rising above the Suiattle Valley is a North Cascades classic. And it’s a view you’ll have a hard time wrestling your eyes from as you reluctantly head back to the trailhead.

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All photos courtesy Craig Romano.

Craig Romano is an award-winning author of more than twenty hiking guidebooks, including 100 Classic Hikes Washington (Mountaineers Books) which includes a detailed description on this hike and many others in the North Cascades.

Location: Suiattle River Valley, Washington

Distance: 8.0 miles (12.9 kilometers) roundtrip

Elevation gain: 3100 feet (945 meters)

Difficulty: difficult

Trail notes: NW Forest or Interagency Pass required; Wilderness rules apply; Stay on the trail to protect fragile wildflower meadows; Practice Leave No Trace Principles; dog-friendly

Trail highlights: exceptional alpine views, exceptional wildflowers, historic fire lookout, stunning Glacier Peak views

Contact: Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District

Getting to the trail: From Seattle follow I-5 north to exit 208. Then drive 32 miles (51.5 km) east on State Route 530 to Darrington. Continue north on State Route 530 for 7.4 miles (11.9 km) and turn right upon crossing the Sauk River onto Forest Road 26 (Suiattle River Road). Then follow FR 26 18.8 miles (30.3 km) and turn left onto FR 2680. Continue 6.0 miles (9.7 km) to trailhead at road’s end.