08. Bald Rock, 5409' (S)
There are two routes to Bald Rock. One starts from Stevens Canyon and the other from Box Canyon. Most of both routes are on-trail, after which there is an easy scramble. The peak has lovely views of Rainier and Little Tahoma. We suspect that humans seldom visit Bald Rock, though it is clear that dozens of elk regularly make the journey. Bald Rock is named for its treeless rock summit.
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Driving
Bald Rock can be approached from two trailheads. The Box Canyon route is the shorter of the two approaches.
Stevens Canyon: From the Stevens Canyon Entrance, drive 0.8 mile east on the Stevens Canyon Road and park on the roadside at elevation 2320', where the road intersects the Cowlitz Divide Trail. (The trailhead is 15 miles south of the Crystal Mountain ski area turnoff and 33 miles east of the Nisqually Entrance.)
Box Canyon: This trail also leaves from the Stevens Canyon Road and is approximately 10 miles west of the Stevens Canyon Entrance (or 23 miles east of the Nisqually Entrance). Park on the south side of the road at Box Canyon, and look for the Wonderland Trail sign.
Routes
Stevens Canyon: Look for the Cowlitz Divide Trail sign. Hike in a mostly northerly direction for 1.5 miles; then the trail veers westerly. You will pass a sign to Olallie Creek Camp-ground in about 2.4 miles from the trailhead. The trail reaches a saddle at 4760', where it intersects the Wonderland Trail. Take the right, or northerly, trail and follow it for approximately 0.5 mile. At around 5350', leave the trail where it reaches an open meadow on the right and head in an easterly direction. Soon you will be on a ridge. Descend around 250' in 0.4 mile along the ridge passing over three bumps until reaching the lowest point on the ridge (5100’). Then regain elevation and in 0.3 mile reach Bald Rock at 5409'. There are a lot of elk trails along the ridge. You can follow one or merely stay on the ridge. The north face of Bald Rock is extremely steep, but the summit area is flat.
To return, retrace your steps or take a shortcut by returning to the saddle at 5100'. Descend the slope at a bearing of 200 degrees for 400' and then change your bearing to 178. You will rejoin the Cowlitz Divide Trail at approximately 4450'. Return to trailhead.
Box Canyon: This option is mostly on the Wonderland Trail. It is shorter than the Stevens Canyon route and has the attraction of crossing Box Canyon, a remarkable slot canyon in the southeast part of the park. The trailhead is across from the parking area and just east of Box Canyon and the Cowlitz River. Find the Wonderland Trail sign and head in the direction of Nickel Creek Camp and Indian Bar Camp. Follow the trail until it reaches a saddle at 4760'. Stay on the Wonderland Trail, heading northerly. As with the Stevens Canyon route, leave the trail around 5350' and head in an easterly direction. Soon you will be on a ridge. Descend around 250' in 0.4 mile along the ridge passing over three bumps until reaching the lowest point on the ridge (5100’). Then regain elevation and in 0.3 mile reach Bald Rock at 5409'. There are a lot of elk trails along the ridge. You can follow one or merely stay on the ridge. The north face of Bald Rock is extremely steep, but the summit area is flat.
Comments
At 5200’ on the Wonderland Trail you may see a well-defined path on the right (actually an elk path) heading east. This is a reasonable short cut to Bald Rock and will lead to the ridge and saddle at 5100’. A traverse is possible if you leave a car at each trailhead. We suggest starting at Box Canyon and returning via the shortcut to the Cowlitz Divide Trail and the Stevens Canyon Road. While you are in the Stevens Canyon area, take advantage of two lovely side trips to Silver Falls and the Grove of the Patriarchs.
Vital Statistics: Bald Rock
Bald Rock Topo
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