Trail #1: Boundary- Elk Pass to Yellow Jacket

This 8 mile section of Boundary Trail #1 is open to motorcycle, hiker, horse and bicycle use.

This section runs from Elk Pass Trailhead to Hat Rock accessed by Yellowjacket Trail #1A.

Catch glimpses of Mount Rainier, Pinto Rock and vistas to the south as you travel along a ridgetop cloaked in a fir forest. At approximately 4 miles, explore the short but rugged side trail Badger Ridge Trail #257 to Badger Peak. The view from the summit is superb. A Forest Service fire lookout cabin was once perched on top of this rocky peak. Take a refreshing break at Badger Lake which offers a pumice beach, cool waters and green meadows.

Follow the ridge through a canopy of trees until you break out into the open near the towering walls of Kirk Rock. Marmots inhabit the area so listen for their shrill whistles of alarm. Alternating views to the north and south await you as you make your way towards the pinnacle of Shark Rock. Beneath the crown of Craggy Peak is the junction of Craggy Peak Trail #3. Descend to Yellowjacket Pass and then climb through the forest until passing beneath the impressive cliffs of Hat Rock. The summit of Craggy Peak can be reached by following a climbers' path up the south ridge, leave the Boundary Trail at the high point where the trail crosses the saddle just east of the Craggy Peak Trail junction.

This maintained trail travels at a fairly level grade until Shark Rock. East of Shark Rock the trail makes a series of steep ascents and descents before junctioning with Yellowjacket Trail #1A (accessed on Forest Road 2810).

At a Glance