Pack light for this hike, after all Bald Mountain trail is a strenuous 10.7 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 3500 feet. To get to this trail you will hike along
the same trails as Ashland, therefore, park in the same designated spots. You will take in entire views of Three Fingers Mountain and Mount Pilchuck.
This trail is very narrow, but the trails are reported to have recently been well maintained.
After reaching Ashland Lakes trail, you'll reach a fork. Be sure to continue straight, toward Cut-throat trail. There is lots of old-growth and a ton of blueberry bushes which leads to chances of a bear encounter. So
pack bear mace / pepper spray and also wear "bear bells" (bells that hang on your pack, and jingle as you hike) to ward them off.
The sign is very hard to spot coming up from Cut-throat to Bald Mountain so keep your eyes peeled.
There are also beautiful views of the valleys below once you reach your destination, and this makes the hike worth while.
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