Dirty Harry's Peak(edit)

based on 158 tracks & routes | |

DIFFICULT

#2 hike out of 38 in Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area |

DIFFICULT

7.8 mi

Distance

3 hrs 7 min

Time

3,317 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

Recent trail work in the summer of 2018 makes this peak a great close-to-Seattle day hike in a few hours and a good alternative hike to Mount Si.

This is a difficult out and back trail to Dirty Harry's Peak in Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area.

The trailhead is off I-90 at exit 38. Follow the access road east and go back under I-90 to the parking area. Discovery Pass is required.

Getting Started

Share the trailhead and beginning of trail with rock climbers looking for a day of cragging.

This trail goes by The Grit Scone, Overhaul, Truck Town, Truck Town Cave, Sun Vista Slab, The Cirque, Interstate Park, Dirty Harry's Rest Stop, Headlight Point, Squishy Bell, Eastern Block, Winter Block, and Dirty Harry's Balcony.

After passing the popular climbing turn-offs, follow the signs along the trail. Pass a short junction off the right for the Little Balcony. From the balcony, the trail starts to climb steeper up an old mining road. Hang in there as you'll be rewarded with views of Mount Rainier and Mount Baker. At the summit you look down the north side to Granite Lakes. If you go further along the ridge (back west towards Seattle) you'll come to an opening with great views south including Mt Rainier. Also about 1/2 up from the balcony is Dirty Harry's creek and just before the creek is a rough trail in about 1/4 mile to "the museum" where Dirty Harry's old logging truck is still parked. Dirty Harry (Harry Gault) was a logger known for going to more difficult areas to cut down trees. Before the new trail work one would meet less than 6 people on the upper portion of the trail. It has become more popular but is still a good destination for smaller crowds close to Seattle. The balcony is a good shorter option for people with an overlook of I-90 and McClellan's Butte.

The trailhead is off I-90 at exit 38. Follow the access road east and go back under I-90 to the parking area. There is a pit toilet at the parking area.
A Discover Pass is required to park at the trailhead. You can purchase a day-use pass at the parking lot or consider buying an annual permit.

Taking Children

The hike includes steep terrain and cliff areas that could be dangerous for children.

Sights to See

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

AbleRaft5563 6 years ago

Thursday, 5/7/20. Really a great hike! Hadn't been here before. We had beautiful weather. Stunning views along the way and at the summit. Lots of snow up high (last 1000' of elev). Didn't use our microspikes on the way up, but they were definitely helpful on the way down. Left the TH at 7:45. Hit the Balcony on the way up and the Museum on the way down. Not too many people. Much preferred to Mt. Si now that I know of it...

★ ★ ★ ★

SoftSage3833 6 years, 7 months ago

Hiked up Dirty Harry's Peak on 10/9/2019. We had snow above the balcony with maybe 4-5 inches at the top. I didn't wear my micro-spikes but a couple of my friends did on the way down as the upper part of the trail is steep. When you get to the summit you are in trees with limited views but there is an over-look of Granite Lakes and great views to the north. Follow the ridge line back to the west (towards Seattle) and you'll come to a rock field with excellent views south (Mt Rainier). I love that this trail is close to Seattle but doesn't get the crowds that Mt Si, Mailbox or Mt Washington get.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Erik Neumann 7 years ago

Very well maintained trail. Traffic noise from I-90 is a bit bothersome at start in places for first half. Big day to go to the summit. Great views, it's a ridge summit with some trees. Snow over last mile was difficult, cleats recommended. Upper half of the trail is along an old logging road.

★ ★ ★ ★

angelatravels 7 years, 6 months ago

The trail was closed during the summer of 2018 for trail work. Though I hadn't been on the trail prior, the current trail has plenty of signs and is easy to follow. The trail work also rerouted a small section on the trail from the map but it's hard to get off trail. Consider hiking to the balcony for a shorter hike. I'm still sore a couple days after hiking as the top section gets steeper towards the top and follows old mining roads. From the top, you can see distant view of Rainier and Baker.

★ ★ ★ ★