Hiking Iron Peak in the Teanaway Region
Contents
Iron Peak Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10.30Km (6.4 Miles)
Elevation Gain: 775m (2,543 Ft.)
Highest Elevation: 1,964m (6,444 Ft.)
Average Gradient: 15.04%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: ~May to October
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Iron Peak Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 47°25’18.1″N 120°56’14.2″W
Iron Peak Overview
Iron Peak is one of many summits located in the Teanaway region of Washington. Situated around 90 minutes from Seattle (4.5 hours from Vancouver), the Teanaway region is east of the Cascade Crest, and as such is a drier, more arid region that typically receives less snow, making for a wonderful late spring/early summer option especially. Much of the terrain here is open, allowing plenty of off trail exploration, with a number of quality scrambles and ridge traverses in the area for adventurous parties.
Iron Peak is one of the simpler summits in the Teanaway area, with a short, steep trail the entire way, and no scrambling required to reach the summit. Thanks to parking at high elevation, despite the summit being almost 2,000m (6,500Ft.), you’ll only have to gain around 775m (2,543Ft.) to get there. The views from the top are well worth the effort, with stunning views of Mount Stuart in particular.
The Teanaway area makes for a good option in the late spring/early summer as snow tends to melt away here earlier than most other areas. It’s also a fine summer option as well, however you should be prepared for high temperatures, constant sun exposure, and you’ll want to bring plenty of water. Iron Peak alone is a short hike though, so these are less of a concern for this one.
Adventurous parties can also add on the nearby Teanaway Peak, which is typically accessed from Eldorado Pass. This is more of an off-trail Class 3 scramble though, with route finding a necessity.
If traveling from BC you may want to consider staying a night due to the long drive. There are plenty of car camping options along the forest roads, and finding a spot shouldn’t be a major issue. The roads are all 2WD friendly thanks to being well groomed gravel, and you don’t need a Northwest Forest Pass to park at the Iron Peak trailhead (unlike many of the other trailheads in the area that do require one).
Iron Peak is a dog friendly trail.
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Is Iron Peak worthwhile?
Iron Peak offers very nice views for moderate effort. From the summit you get a great view of Mount Stuart, Bill’s Peak, Earl Peak, Teanaway Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and plenty more on a clear day. Unfortunately most of the Enchantments peaks are blocked by Bill’s Peak on this summit, but don’t let that put you off.
How difficult is the hike to Iron Peak?
Iron Peak is a consistent but rarely steep climb, very typical of most Washington trails. The majority of the trail follows efficient switchbacks as you quickly gain elevation before ultimately reaching Eldorado Pass. From here you simply follow the ridge to the summit. There isn’t any scrambling necessary, though the ridge does narrow somewhat towards the end. Overall this is a pretty moderate outing, with fit parties able to finish within 4 hours comfortably.
Iron Peak Route Information
Parking for Iron Peak is from a small parking area on the side of N Fork Teanaway Road. Refer to the GPS coordinates above while you’re driving as it is easy to miss. The roads to get there are all gravel and suitable for all vehicles. There may be a few potholes here and there, but that’s about it. You do not need to buy a Northwest Forest Pass for this trailhead.
From the trailhead you’ll immediately begin climbing next to an unnamed creek (a good opportunity to make sure you’ve got water, as there is none once you leave it). After a couple of hundred meters you’ll reach your first switchback as you climb away from the creek. The views begin to open up immediately as the trees are sparse here. This also means you’ll be exposed to the sun for the entire hike, so prepare accordingly, especially on a hot day.
As you follow switchback after switchback, the views continue to improve, with several nice viewpoints of Esmeralda Peak, Fortune Peak and South Ingalls Peak to the northwest. Koppen Peak will also be nearby.
Around half way up to Eldorado Pass the trail mellows out as the switchbacks ease off momentarily, but don’t let this fool you as they’ll be back soon. You should start to see your objective through the trees as you continue to proceed towards the saddle between Iron Peak and Teanaway Peak.
The final stretch up to the saddle is a series of short, sharp switchbacks that can sometimes hold lingering snow into the early summer. Once you crest Eldorado Pass, the views suddenly open up with Bill’s Peak and the valley below. You’ll also see the route to Iron Peak and the simple ridgeline to follow to get there. The Iron Peak trail actually descends into the valley, where it joins up with the Beverly Turnpike Trail, but if you’re going to the peak itself you’ll want to divert your attention to the ridge.
The travel along the ridge is very straightforward, with no exposure and a mostly moderate gradient. The views continue to get better and better as you follow the ridge along, with Mount Stuart and Teanaway Peak stealing the show as you gain elevation. There is one narrow section of ridge just before the summit, but it doesn’t require any scrambling and there is minimal exposure. In short order you’ll reach the top. On a clear day you should be able to see Rainier and Adams in the distance, as well as all the aforementioned peaks. There’s plenty of space to spread out and soak in the views on the summit.
Once you’re finished, you can simply head back the same way you came. For any parties also intending to summit Teanaway Peak, you’ll find a faint trail leading towards the SE slopes from Eldorado Pass. This quickly fades away and becomes a Class 3, self-navigated scramble through some complex terrain, so it should only be attempted by capable parties.
When should I hike Iron Peak?
The Teanaway area in general is a good option in late spring (mid-May) to October. If you don’t mind snow you can go earlier in the spring as well. In the peak summer you will want to prepare for long, hot days with little shade and a lack of water sources. You should definitely start early if you go in July and August especially.
Top Tip
Bring plenty of water and solar protection as this hike is exposed to the sun for the majority of the trail. Start early in the day in the middle of summer to avoid the worst of it.
