The trail is a relatively easy 7 mile hike round-trip with elevation gain of ~900'
There is an excellent view from the summit of Tolmie Peak towards Mt. Rainier on a clear day.
It can get super busy on weekends with folks dragging their picnic baskets up to the top, especially around the firewatch tower.
As of August 2021, access on FR-2505 is closed by the landowner due to extreme fire danger.
NOTE: as of Aug 2022, this has been reopened. See my updated report .
Well, we made it back alive. Bennett Pass Rd/NF-3550 is a single lane (which serves both directions) dirt track.
We had spent the night at Rock Creek CG and thus driving up NF-4860 to the turn at the intersection with NF-3550. There are, however, only 1 or 2 places to turn around after that. We had to digg (a 4-letter word) through 2 snow banks to gain passage and only saw one other vehicle (a Jeep) on the route. High clearance 4x4 vehicle required on NF-3550.
Today I dragged my Dad, my kids and their cousins up to Gracie Point summit.
I had read about the southern approach, from James WA7JNJ, which was listed as 5 or so miles one way and a rather steep hike. I figured that was a bit much for my crew so we went around back to the northern approach. Starting on N Wenas Rd turning north onto Sheep Company Road.
NOTE: A Washington DNR Discovery Pass is required. These can be ordered online the same day, if you forgot yours.