Fire Road To Dixie

Overview

One of the most direct routes to Dixie Peak is via the "Fire Road" originating from the "School Bus Turnaround" down the road from the Mount Si trailhead/parking lot. The "Fire Road", known as the Mount Teneriffe Road-Trail, is also the most direct route for which to reach nearby Mount Teneriffe. The "Fire Road" offers a gradual incline but lacks significant viewpoints until near the summit of Dixie Peak.

Route Description

The route begins at the "School Bus Turnaround" (920' elevation) down the road from the Mount Si Parking Lot. Hike along the Mount Teneriffe Road-Trail for approximately six miles, until a saddle ridge (4150' elevation, LATITUDE: 47.5139, LONGITUDE: -121.7075). From the saddle ridge, leave the road-trail and begin heading west along the steep forested ridgeline to an unnamed highpoint (~4450' elevation). NOTE: The road-trail continues east to Mount Teneriffe.


Ascend the ridgeline for approximately 1/2-mile to an unnamed forested highpoint located south of Dixie Peak. From that unnamed highpoint, the ridge turns north towards Dixie Peak. Follow the ridge down and then up for approximately 1/2-mile to the true summit of Dixie Peak (4606' elevation). Use caution when traversing the Dixie Peak ridgeline; steep slopes and high winds are common in this area. While approaching the true summit, try to looking for Crater Lake down the gully to the west.


The views from the true summit are wonderful and very underrated. From the true summit, a hiker can continue following the ridgeline north for approximately 1/4-mile (~5-10 minutes) to the false summit of Dixie Peak. The false summit is worth visiting, due to its rocky highpoint and spectacular views that rival the views seen from the Mount Teneriffe summit.


From Dixie Peak, there are two main possibilities for returning tothe "Fire Road". From the unnamed forested highpoint south of Dixie Peak:
1) Retrace your route back to the saddle ridge to rejoin the Mount Teneriffe Road-Trail ("Fire Road"), or,
2) Cut-off approximately one mile of descent distance by directly traversing down the steep southern/southeastern slope of the highpoint through a forest, eventually rejoining the Mount Teneriffe Road-Trail ("Fire Road") at ~3950' elevation.
Then continue following the Mount Teneriffe Road-Trail for the remainder of the descent, returning to the "School Bus Turnaround" and completely the two-peak loop.

The "Fire Road" route to the summits of Dixie Peak is approximately 13-14.5 miles, roundtrip. For a slightly shorter, more technical, route involving Dixie Peak, consider the "Teneriffe-Dixie Loop" route.

Getting There

DIRECTIONS FROM I-90: Get off on Exit 32. Go north one mile where you will pick up North Bend Way. Make a left (west) towards North Bend on North Bend Way. After driving about a quarter mile take a right on Mount Si Road. Follow Mount Si Road approximately 1-1/4 miles past the Mount Si trailhead/parking lot to the "School Bus Turnaround" area. On your left is blocked fire road. Park here but make sure not to block the entrance to the fire road. Do not park here during school days unless after 5:00 PM.

Essential Gear

Hiking/mountaineering boots, trekking poles. During snowy winter ascents, it might be helpful to have snowshoes, 'Yaktrax', and/or crampons during different sections of this route.

Red Tape

Beginning during 2011, parking areas and trailheads within and for the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) require a Discover Pass to be in each vehicle during the visit. Failure to have a Discover Pass visible within a parked vehicle at these locations can result in a substantial fine. For more information regarding the Discover Pass, please visit the official website.

Images

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