Trail #2 Summit Prairie

Area Status: Unknown

This is a multi-use trail.

Starting at the Forest Road 90, the 9 mile Summit Prairie Trail begins with a steep climb for 2 miles before crossing Road 9075 near the west end of Quartz Creek Butte Trail 5B. From this point, the trail continues north in a series of switchbacks to the crest of Quartz Creek Ridge. As you traverse the ridge top, meadows reward you with views into the expansive tree-lined valleys of Quartz and French Creeks. The horizon holds snowcapped volcanoes and high open ridges of the Dark Divide.

Before reaching the junction with the Boundary Trail #1, you will pass by remains of the Summit Prairie fire lookout built in 1929-1930. The lookout was abandoned in the 1960s, but if you use your imagination you can visualize what it must have been like to be a fireguard at this remote location. As you near the junction with the Boundary Trail, a small prairie opens where domestic sheep herds and Forest Service pack stock once grazed in the summer months.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	11/06/2023: Trail received snow. For information contact Mt. Adams Ranger Station 509-395-3402
Closest Towns:	Trout Lake, WA
Water:	Treat all non potable water before consuming.
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Mount Adams Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

From Cougar, WA travel east on Forest Road 90 for about 41 miles. The access point is about a mile west of the Forest Road 88 intersection with Forest Road 90.

Trail can be accessed from Forest Road 90 or Boundary Trail #1.

Activities

Mountain Biking

See activity description under Backpacking.

Day Hiking

See activity description under Backpacking.

Backpacking

Starting at the Forest Road 90, the Summit Prairie Trail begins with a steep climb for 2 miles before crossing Road 9075. From this point, the trail continues in a series of switchbacks to the crest of Quartz Creek Ridge. As you traverse the ridge top, meadows reward you with views into the expansive tree-lined valleys of Quartz and French Creeks. The horizon holds snowcapped volcanoes and high open ridges of the Dark Divide. Before reaching the junction with the Boundary Trail #1, you will pass by remains of the Summit Prairie fire lookout built in 1929-1930. The lookout was abandoned in the 1960s, but if you use your imagination you can visualize what it must have been like to be a fireguard at this remote location. As you near the junction with the Boundary Trail, a small prairie opens where domestic sheep herds and Forest Service pack stock once grazed in the summer months.