Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107

The Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107 is a 3-kilometre point-to-point trail in Washington State, United States, climbing approximately 244 metres (800 feet) of elevation through old-growth silver fir forest to a near-summit viewpoint at 1,583 metres (5,193 feet). Rated moderate, this former Pacific Crest Trail reroute in Gifford Pinchot National Forest rewards hikers with sweeping panoramas of three Cascade volcanoes: Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. St. Helens.

About the Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107

Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107 sits deep in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southern Washington State, within the protected boundaries of the Indian Heaven Wilderness. The trail carries a piece of Pacific Crest Trail history: it follows the original PCT alignment that was rerouted in the 1970s to skirt the lower western flank of Sawtooth Mountain, sparing the high ridge from overuse while still delivering the mountain's signature views.

At just 3 kilometres one-way, this is a focused, purposeful hike rather than an epic multi-day expedition. The trail rises steadily from the PCT junction trailhead on Forest Road 24, threading through cathedral stands of old-growth Pacific silver fir before breaking out onto the open ridgeline just below Sawtooth's rocky summit at 1,583 metres (5,193 feet). The reward for that 244-metre (800-foot) climb is a triple-volcano panorama that few other trails in the region can match.

The US Forest Service maintains Trail #107 under the designation of the Regional Walking Network, reflecting its significance as a high-quality wilderness route. Because the trail passes through Indian Heaven Wilderness, motorised vehicles and mechanised equipment — including mountain bikes — are prohibited, keeping the experience natural and quiet even during the peak summer season.

Hikers planning a longer outing often combine Trail #107 with sections of the Pacific Crest Trail to form a loop of approximately 9 kilometres, gaining a fuller taste of the Indian Heaven plateau with its alpine lakes and volcanic meadows. For those with limited time or energy, the out-and-back on Trail #107 alone is a satisfying half-day adventure that packs exceptional scenery into a short distance. If you are preparing for a longer wilderness trek, you might also find inspiration in the Theth to Valbona hike guide — another compact but spectacular route that punches far above its kilometre count.

Route Overview & Stages

The trail runs point-to-point from the PCT–FR 24 trailhead south to its terminus near the Sawtooth summit approach. The three stages below reflect the natural rhythm of the climb: a gentle forest entry, a sustained switchback ascent, and a final ridge traverse to the high viewpoint.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• PCT–FR 24 Trailhead (1,280 m / 4,200 ft): The signed trailhead sits where Forest Road 24 meets the Pacific Crest Trail near Cultus Campground. A self-issue wilderness permit station and small parking area with trail register are located here.
• Old-Growth Silver Fir Forest: From the first steps inside the wilderness boundary, the trail passes through stands of Pacific silver fir dating back several centuries. The dense canopy creates cool, shadowed hiking even on warm summer days; the forest floor is carpeted with oxalis and vanilla leaf.
• PCT North Junction at 1,392 m (4,568 ft): This signed junction marks where the modern PCT makes a sharp right turn while Trail #107 continues straight ahead up the mountain. Hikers here stand at the original PCT alignment before the 1970s reroute — a historically significant spot on the Cascade trail network.
• Mt. Adams Viewpoint: Roughly 1.5 km into the hike, the trees thin to reveal a commanding view of Mt. Adams (3,742 m / 12,281 ft) to the east — Washington State's second-highest peak. On clear mornings the glaciated summit reflects early light in a striking alpine display.
• Sawtooth Ridge: The namesake rocky crest runs southeast-to-northwest across the upper mountain. Trail #107 parallels this ridge rather than crossing it directly, protecting fragile summit vegetation while still placing hikers at eye level with the most dramatic terrain on the mountain.
• Near-Summit Viewpoint at 1,583 m (5,193 ft): The trail's high point delivers one of the finest three-volcano panoramas in southern Washington. Mt. Adams dominates to the east, Mt. Rainier (4,392 m / 14,411 ft) rises to the north, and Mt. St. Helens' blown-out crater is clearly visible to the northwest — all three within a single unobstructed sweep.
• Lone Butte Meadows: Visible from the upper trail looking northwest, the meadow basin at the foot of Lone Butte (1,524 m / 5,000 ft) forms part of the broader Indian Heaven Wilderness meadow system. Beargrass and lupine bloom here in July and early August.
• Indian Heaven Wilderness: The trail lies entirely within the 8,100-hectare Indian Heaven Wilderness, designated in 1984. The plateau's dozens of alpine lakes and centuries of Indigenous use — the area was a major huckleberry harvesting ground for local tribes — add cultural depth to the natural scenery.

Best Time to Hike the Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107

The trail is typically accessible from mid-July through mid-October, depending on snowpack. Forest Road 24 sits at around 1,200 metres and can remain snowbound well into June. As of 2026, the Washington State spring snowpack in the Cascades was above average, meaning most hikers should plan for a late-July start to guarantee a snow-free trail surface.

July brings the first reliable access and peak wildflower displays — beargrass, paintbrush and lupine bloom along the ridge. Temperatures at the trailhead typically reach 18–22 °C during the day, dropping to 5–8 °C at night. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, especially later in the month.

August is the single best month to hike Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107. Days are long, wildflowers are at their peak, trails are dry, and the probability of a clear-sky volcano panorama is highest. Daytime highs hover around 20–25 °C at the trailhead, with cool breezes on the upper ridge. Mosquito pressure, which can be severe in July, drops significantly by mid-August.

September brings cooler temperatures (12–18 °C), golden huckleberry foliage, and dramatically fewer other hikers. The air is often exceptionally clear after summer smoke dissipates, making it an excellent month for photography. Snow can return to the upper ridge by late September.

October is a shoulder-season option for experienced hikers. Huckleberry and larch colour is stunning, but snow is increasingly likely above 1,400 metres. Carry traction devices and check road conditions before driving FR 24.

Practical Information

Accommodation

There are no mountain huts on or immediately adjacent to Trail #107. The nearest developed camping is at Cultus Campground, roughly 3 kilometres from the trailhead via Forest Road 24. Sites cost approximately $18–22 per night (around €17–20 at 2026 exchange rates) and operate on a first-come, first-served basis during summer. Water is available at the campground but should be treated before drinking.

For those preferring a roof overhead, Trout Lake (population ~550) lies approximately 25 kilometres east of the trailhead via SR-141. The small community offers a general store, a café and basic guesthouse rooms starting at around $80–110 per night (€73–100). The larger town of White Salmon, WA, roughly 50 kilometres away, has additional motel options. Wild camping within Indian Heaven Wilderness is permitted at designated sites; camping within 60 metres of any trail, lake or stream is prohibited.

Getting There & Back

The trailhead is accessed by car via State Route 141 from White Salmon, turning onto Forest Road 24 north of Trout Lake. The last 20 kilometres are on gravel forest road — a high-clearance vehicle is advisable after wet weather, though most passenger cars manage in dry summer conditions. Arrive early on summer weekends; the small trailhead parking area fills by 9 a.m.

The nearest major airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), approximately 110 kilometres south in Oregon. Drive time from PDX is around 2 hours via I-84 East and SR-14 West through the Columbia River Gorge, then north on SR-141 to Trout Lake. Current trip reports and trail conditions are maintained by the Washington Trails Association, which is worth checking before your drive to the remote trailhead. There is no public transport to the trailhead; a private vehicle is essential.

Permits & Fees

A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. The day-use pass costs $5 (€4.60) and an annual pass costs $30 (€27.50) as of 2026 rates. Passes can be purchased online via Recreation.gov or at the Trout Lake Ranger District office.

Entry into the Indian Heaven Wilderness requires a self-issued wilderness permit, available free of charge at the trailhead permit station. No advance reservation is needed. Group size is limited to 12 people. Campfires are prohibited above 1,370 metres (4,500 feet) during fire season, which typically runs July through October — bring a camp stove.

Gear & Packing List

Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107 is a moderate day hike, and your pack should reflect that. At 3 km one-way with 244 metres of gain, you do not need a multi-day load — but the exposed ridge at 1,583 metres demands preparation for rapid weather changes. For calorie planning on a mountain day, see our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day.

• Day pack: A lightweight running-vest style pack works perfectly for this short trail. The Salomon ADV Skin 12 holds enough for a day's water, snacks and a shell layer, while the Salomon ADV Skin 20 gives extra room for camera gear and a packed lunch.
• For the loop extension: If you plan to combine Trail #107 with PCT sections for the 9 km loop, a lightweight frameless pack such as the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 40L is a comfortable all-day carry that keeps base weight minimal. For more ultralight options, see our best ultralight backpacks 2026 roundup.
• Footwear: Trail runners are adequate on the well-maintained path in dry conditions. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended in September and October when morning frost is common on the upper ridge.
• Layers: A wind-shell or softshell jacket is mandatory at the summit viewpoint, where exposed ridgeline wind can drop apparent temperature by 8–10 °C even on warm days. Pack a mid-layer in September onward.
• Water: Carry at least 1.5 litres from the trailhead. There are no reliable water sources on Trail #107 itself. A filter or purification tablets allow you to top up at Cultus Creek if needed.
• Sun protection: At 1,583 metres on an exposed ridge, UV exposure is significant. Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses and a wide-brim hat are non-negotiable in July and August.
• Navigation: Download offline maps before you go — cell reception is absent throughout the Indian Heaven Wilderness. A free PDF map is available at the Trout Lake Ranger District office.
• Bear awareness: Black bears are present in the Indian Heaven plateau. Store food in your car at the trailhead or in a bear canister if camping overnight.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the volcanic scenery and well-maintained forest trails of the Pacific Northwest appeal to you, or you are looking for another short but spectacular day hike in the United States with a high viewpoint payoff, the following routes deliver a similar blend of elevation gain, panoramic reward and accessible trailheads across the American West.

• Panorama Trail — a viewpoint-focused route with sweeping alpine scenery, ideal for hikers who want the summit panorama experience without technical climbing.
• Clouds Rest Trail — a longer but equally rewarding day hike in Yosemite National Park offering one of the finest views of Half Dome available from any trail.
• Hidden Canyon — a compact slot-canyon adventure in Zion National Park that, like Trail #107, delivers dramatic scenery in a short distance.
• South Kaibab Trail — one of the Grand Canyon's most scenic descent routes, featuring exposed ridgeline walking and jaw-dropping layered geology.
• North Kaibab Trail — the Grand Canyon's north-rim counterpart and a longer wilderness trail for those ready to step up from a day hike to a multi-day canyon crossing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to hike Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107?

August is the single best month. The trail is reliably snow-free, wildflowers are at their peak, mosquito pressure drops from the July high, and the chances of a clear-sky panorama of all three Cascade volcanoes are greatest. July and September are also excellent. Avoid before mid-July due to snowpack on Forest Road 24, and carry traction devices if hiking in October when snow is increasingly likely above 1,400 metres.

How difficult is Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107?

The trail is rated moderate. It climbs 244 metres (800 feet) over 3 kilometres via well-graded switchbacks, with no technical scrambling required. The main challenges are the sustained uphill gradient in the middle section and the exposed ridgeline near the top, where wind and weather can change quickly. Fit beginners with appropriate footwear and layers will complete the trail comfortably in under two hours one-way.

How long does it take to hike Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107?

Most hikers complete the 3 km point-to-point trail in 1.5 to 2 hours one-way, or 3 to 4 hours return including time at the viewpoint. Allow an extra hour if you plan to explore the upper ridge or combine the trail with a PCT loop section for the full 9 km circuit. Starting by 7 a.m. ensures a parking spot at the small trailhead lot and avoids afternoon thunderstorm risk.

Is there accommodation near Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107?

Cultus Campground, roughly 3 kilometres from the trailhead, offers tent sites for $18–22 per night (€17–20) on a first-come basis during summer. The nearest town, Trout Lake, 25 km east, has guesthouse rooms from around $80 per night (€73). Wild camping is also permitted within Indian Heaven Wilderness at designated sites, provided you stay at least 60 metres from trails, lakes and streams and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Do I need a permit to hike Sawtooth Mountain Trail #107?

Yes — two requirements apply. A Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/year as of 2026) is needed to park at the trailhead. A free self-issued Indian Heaven Wilderness permit must also be filled out at the trailhead permit station before entering the wilderness. No advance booking is required for either. Purchase your Forest Pass online via Recreation.gov or at the Trout Lake Ranger District office before driving to the remote trailhead.