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Huffaker Mountain, near Big Bottom Butte, overlooks the Cowlitz River near Riffe Lake. Bluff Mountain and Kraus Ridge rise to the southeast above the Cispus River. Additionally, Randle, Washington, reaches these peaks directly from the north.
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Huffaker Mountain at a glance
Surroundings = Bluff Mountain + Kraus Ridge
周圍地區=懸崖山+克勞斯脊
Access: NF-2505 (Huffaker); NF-2506 (Bluff/Kraus)
Round trip: 5.6 miles; 10.2 miles
Altitude range: 1680′-3640′
Essential equipment: none
Route information: KJ Kodras, Daniel Coulter
GPS tracking: available
Suitable for dogs: Yes
Playlist: Coils
Hike near Gifford Pinchot National Forest
As I was getting ready to leave the house, I accidentally left my bag in the carport. So today, for the first time since Cannon Mountain, I would rely on the phone to take photos. At 8:00 p.m. we parked near the blowdowns after Schooley Creek and quickly began walking on Route 2505.
With more downed trees ahead of me, I couldn’t have driven much further even if I wanted to. Soon, at the end of the side road, at 3,000 feet, was the 400 foot scramble to the upper road. Then it was only a short distance along the summit ridge to the viewpoint at the top of the cliffs.
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From Huffaker Mountain to Bluff Mountain
Extensive southerly views atop the outcroppings included Mount Adams and Mount Saint Helens. Near the west and beyond Scanewa Lake, a slice of Riffe Lake was also visible. After an extended break in the sun, we quickly set off for Bluff Mountain and Kraus Ridge.
From closed Route 2506 at 4:50 p.m., the path would reach the summit fork in 2.5 miles. However, I wasn’t mentally prepared to see NF-056, where trees littered the forest floor for the last part. But we couldn’t have left any sooner after reaching the wooden summit.
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Exploring Kraus Ridge along the Cispus River
At the end of Highway 2506 we unexpectedly saw Burley Mountain and Tower Rock. After experiencing the beautiful Cispus River Valley, it’s a short jog west to the Kraus Ridge Trail. The excellent trail reaches NF-037 in three miles and we continue west.
After reaching the northeast ridge before the end of the road, we crossed the ridge for half a mile. The direct route offered bargains and spotty views of Mount Rainier along the way. A photo of Connor at the top, and we quickly reversed back on NF-037 to the gate.
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