13. Berry Peak, 5120' (S)
Berry, along with Virginia, August, and Martin, is accessible from just inside the park boundary on the Mowich Lake Road. Of the four peaks, Berry is the most scrambly. It is possible to climb all four peaks in one day. Starting from the Mowich Entrance, we suggest the following order of peaks: August, Virginia, Berry, Martin. There are modest views from each peak, though some of the peaks are wooded, with territorial views between the trees.
The origin of Berry Peak’s name is uncertain.
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Driving
On the road leading to Mowich Lake, park approximately 600' past the national park boundary sign on the right side of the road (parking for several cars is available alongside the road, elevation 3610').
Route
This unmarked trail was once the West Boundary Trail and is shown on the USGS map (but not on the Green Trails map). It is currently not maintained, though it is in reasonably good shape. There is a footpath heading up the hillside on the left (north) side of the road, across from the parking pull-off area. The footpath is located just a few feet uphill and opposite a sign that says “backcountry camping requires permit.” At the fourth switchback, come to Howling Wolf Pinnacle (named by a friends of ours), a prominent rock formation just west of the park boundary. (Of interest, located behind the pinnacle and hidden from the trail, is a memorial sign.) The trail then starts a rising traverse and is fairly easy to follow, though overgrown in places. In 1.6 miles from the trailhead (at 4670'), come to a ridge and the takeoff point for Virginia and Berry. The route to Berry is over Virginia. There are some rocky outcroppings along the ridge—the larger ones require a little sidehilling, generally on the right-hand side.
Comments
This West Boundary Trail once connected Mowich Lake Road to the Carbon River Entrance. Currently the trail is only passable from Mowich Lake Road to the August-Poch saddle and from the Carbon River Entrance to Tolmie Creek. The portion between Tolmie Creek and the August-Poch saddle is completely overgrown. We have been told that the Park Service has plans to refurbish the entire West Boundary Trail.
Vital Statistics: Berry Peak
Skill: Moderate scramble
Beauty: 4
Effort: 5, 7 for all four peaks
Round-trip distance: 5.4 miles, 8.6 miles, for all four peaks approximately half is on an unmaintained trail and other half is off trail
Elevation gain: 2800’, 4030’ for all four peaks
Total time: 4 hours, 10 hours for all four peaks
Best season: June through September
Equipment: Scramble gear
Berry Peak Topo
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