Norse Peak

Norse Peak is a mountain in the Cascade Range of Washington state at an elevation of 6,856 feet (2,090 m)^[1] or 6,858 feet (2,090 m).^[2] It lies on the border between Pierce and Yakima counties east of Mount Rainier National Park.^[3][4]

From the summit, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Stuart, Glacier Peak, the North Cascades, Mount Baker, and the Olympic Range can be seen on a clear day.^[5][6] The Crystal Mountain ski resort is located nearby, and both areas are accessed from the same road leading off of State Route 410.^[2] In summer, the resort offers a gondola ride that features views of Norse Peak.^[5][2] The summit was the site of a now decommissioned fire lookout. In the summer and early fall, Norse Peak is snow-free and can be accessed via trail 1191, which has been rerouted to prevent erosion. The Pacific Crest Trail passes just to the east of the peak.^[7][8] Described as dry and dusty,^[5] the hiking trail gains 2,800 feet (850 m) in 10.8 miles (17.4 km), and allows dogs and horses but has no water sources.^[8][9][2] The trail continues south near the ridgeline from Norse Peak and connects to the Bullion Basin trail.^[9] In the summer, there can be wildflowers as well as wildlife such as elk and mountain goats;^[2] in winter, the peak can be accessed via snowshoe or backcountry skiing, but carries a risk of avalanches. People who are ski touring can leave from the Crystal Mountain parking lot, with a roundtrip distance of 7 miles (11 km) to the summit.^[1][10] The Norse Peak Wilderness is bounded on the west by the north-south ridgeline that includes Norse Peak.^[8] The Norse Peak wildfire ignited in a lightning strike on August 11, 2017, and continued into late September, burning over 52,000 acres (21,000 ha) on the mountain and surrounding areas.^[11][12] The mountain is also the namesake of the Mountain Hardwear Norse Peak Hoody, a fleece jacket described by GearLab as "great for hanging out around the fire or chilling at the crag".^[13]