Sunrise Mine

Sunrise Mine 707

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Vesper Peak
Vesper Peak September 15, 2001

Ranger's Report

Weather

Road Condition

Distance:

2.6 miles one way

Hiking Time:

2 hours

Trailhead Elevation:

2114 ft

Elevation Gain:

2400 ft

Season:

July - October

Difficulty:

Strenuous

Rating:

Best - Very Good - Good - Fair

Use:

Heavy

Users:

Hikers

Region:

Darrington Ranger District

Maps:

USGS Bedal
Darrington Ranger District Map
Printable Topo Map

Permits:

Northwest Forest Pass is required

Driving Directions:

From Seattle take I-5 North to Exit 194. Follow Highway 2 East for 2.3 miles, stay in left lane, go to Lake Stevens Highway 204 East, in 2.2 miles take left (north) on Highway 9 to Lake Stevens, in 1.7 miles take right (east) on Highway 92 to Granite Falls, in 8.4 miles turn left (north) to Mountain Loop Highway. At milepost 28.8 turn right onto Sunrize Mine Road #4065. Follow the road for about 2.2 miles to the trailhead at the end. Parking is along the road.

Trailhead:

No campsites, no toilet, water is at the creek 0.1 mile up the trail.

Trail:

September 15, 2001

The trail enters the woods and without elevation gain leads to the first creek crossing in about 0.1 mile, and a second one in another 0.2 mile. From here the trail climbs steeply through the trees for 0.2 mile to South Fork Stillaguamish River crossing (use small log). Soon after it crosses one more creek - this is your last chance for water! The trail continues climbing to an open slope with a view of Sperry Peak . In about 0.7 mile the trail reaches a saddle between Sperry Peak and Morning Star Peak. There are lots of blueberries in this area. On the slope of Sperry Peak one can see remains of the abandoned old mine, that is only about 20 feet deep and is not worth a trip. The trail continues climbing steeply on the rocky slope for about one mile. To stay on the trail follow the cairns. Last 0.4 mile of short steep switchbacks lead to Headlee Pass (elev. 4600) with good view of Morning Peak and Vesper Peak .