33. Dixon, 5134' (S)

Dixon is not a spectacular peak but it makes for a pleasant enough outing on a cloudy day. There are territorial views from the summit. Dixon is included in our list of 100 because it is just south of the park boundary and it is a Mountaineers Peak Pin destination. The origin of the peak’s name is uncertain.

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Driving

Drive toward the Nisqually Entrance and approximately 3.5 miles past Ashford (.2 miles past MP 10), turn right on Skate Creek Road (FS 52, signed as “Kernahan Road”). Travel about 14 miles and turn left on FS 5260. If you cross the bridge over Skate Creek, you have gone too far. From FS 5260 there are three routes. Dixon can be done as a one-way or as a traverse (to/from Park Car A to Park Car B, or Park Car alt). The easiest approach and route is the Borrow pit route.

Borrow pit route: After turning off FS 52, drive FS 5260 5.7 miles to near the pit (to Park Car alt, elevation 4040'). Only attempt the final 2 miles of FS 5260 if you have a moderately high-clearance car. There are deep ruts in places, lots of very sharp rocks, and alders encroach when you try to avoid the ruts and the deep troughs. It doesn't require a really high high-clearance vehicle, but it's no place for a sedan. If the road becomes impassable you could park and walk the remainder of the road. If you can drive the entire road, park in a wide-open area beneath the Borrow pit (quarry). A traverse is possible from the Borrow pit to “Park Car A.”

Southwest ridge: After turning off FS 52, drive FS 5260 (go past Johnson Creek) for .75 mile, where the road curves before heading northeast up Johnson Creek. Park here (Park Car A, elevation 2350').

North ridge: After turning off FS 52, drive FS 5260 3.1 miles and park at any convenient place along the road (Park Car B, elevation 3150').

Route

Borrow pit: This is the easiest of the routes. From the borrow pit walk the road back a few meters and take obvious road to left (south). In about fifty meters take the right (west) fork, which ends shortly. There's no sign, but the trail takes off on an obvious tread, heading nearly due south from the end of the short dead-end road. The trail can be followed to a point just south of (and about 50 meters below) the true summit. In places the trail is badly overgrown with huckleberries, azaleas, mountain ash, and some fir. Downfall is minimal and not difficult to pass over. We suggest a GPS or smart phone with the track in place. The distance from the Borrow pit to the summit is 2 miles one way. (Thanks to Bill Fortney for assistance with this route description.)

Southwest ridge: The route follows the west-southwest ridge of Dixon. From your parking spot at 2350', find the best route up the ridge. At approximately 4500', leave the ridge on the left and head into a basin (traveling easterly). Regain the summit ridge, heading slightly southeast, and then follow the ridge northeast to the summit.

North ridge: From your parking spot around 3150', it is a good idea to set a GPS point for your car’s location so you can find it easily on the return journey. From your car at 3150', travel easterly following the best terrain to the borrow pit at 4040'. There are many blowdowns on this slope above the suggested route, and it is best to stay in the heavy forest for easier travel. It may be easier going if you intersect the road at 3850' and follow it to the borrow pit. From the borrow pit, head southerly on the ridge. There is a well-defined bootpath from near the borrow pit, which leads to the summit.

Comments

It is best to call the Packwood Ranger Station (206-494-5515) to check on road conditions, especially in the late fall or late spring. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest noted that FS road 5260 experienced a washout at mile 1.4 in December 2015. Until this is repaired the southwest ridge route may be the preferred route.

Vital Statistics: Dixon

• Skill: Moderate scramble

• Beauty: 3

• Effort: 4

• Distance

  • via Borrow pit: 4 miles round-trip

  • via southwest ridge: 4 miles round-trip

  • via north ridge: 5.5 miles round-trip

  • one-way traverse: 5 miles

• Elevation gain

  • via  Borrow pit: 1200'

  • via southwest ridge: 3100'

  • via north ridge: 2300'

• Total time: 4, 5, 6 hours respectively, 6 one way traverse

• Best season: July through September (FS 52 usually closes in late fall and winter)

• Equipment: Scramble gear

Dixon Topo