KUOW Hike of the Week: Iron Bear

Updated 9-16-2011. We visited this hike in June but offer this hike as a second option to the Palisades Lakes hike since there will be less chance of rain for Iron Bear on Saturday 9-17. However even on Sunday 9-18 there will be a chance of rain for this hike. This is located in the East Cascades near Cle Elum. Photos and hike description provided by Karen Sykes.

Photo below is Mt. Stuart

Photo below is Michael taking a nap with a view of the Stuart Range



Iron Bear

Getting there: Drive east on Interstate 90 to state Route 97. About two miles north of Mineral Springs, look for Forest Service Road No. 9714 (Iron Creek Road) going off to the left (west). Continue about 3.5 miles to road's end and the trailhead and parking at 3,600 feet. In early May, a snow patch blocked the rock about 1/8 mile from the end.

Trail data: From the trailhead to the high point (5489 feet) is about 6.4 miles round trip.
Directions and trail stats are our best estimate however please have a good local map and or a GPS unit.