Norse Peak Wilderness is a wilderness area in central Washington, located northeast of Mount Rainier National Park. This region spans both sides of the Cascade Mountain Range crest, featuring diverse landscapes from dense western forests of Douglas fir and hemlock to drier eastern slopes with larch and pine. Elevations range significantly, encompassing narrow drainages, rockbound ridges, and volcanic peaks like Fifes Peaks, providing varied terrain for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, and jogging.
49
Routes
4.7
(32)
Average rating
829
People visited

10
hikers
3.84km
01:09
160m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
5
hikers
1.30km
00:21
10m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
hikers
6.90km
02:10
790m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
hikers
5.85km
01:42
180m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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44
riders
50.9km
03:37
1,060m
1,060m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

42
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
34.8km
04:09
1,220m
1,230m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
3
riders
25.8km
03:28
1,240m
1,240m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

35.2km
03:45
1,100m
1,110m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

17
riders
49.0km
05:45
1,660m
1,660m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
riders
33.6km
03:49
1,210m
1,210m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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109
riders
75.4km
04:30
1,650m
1,650m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

12
riders
141km
08:07
3,190m
3,190m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

10
riders
45.5km
02:42
1,000m
1,000m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

6
riders
22.9km
01:10
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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8
runners
24.3km
03:35
1,070m
1,070m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
runners
35.0km
05:17
1,820m
1,820m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
runners
39.0km
05:40
1,550m
1,550m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
13.2km
02:04
730m
730m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Norse Peak Wilderness offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and jogging. The area features diverse terrain suitable for various skill levels, with an extensive trail system.
Norse Peak Wilderness provides numerous hiking opportunities, including sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Other notable trails include the Greenwater Lakes Trail, Norse Peak View Trail, and Noble Knob Trail. For more detailed information, refer to the Hiking in Norse Peak Wilderness guide.
Mountain biking is generally not permitted within designated wilderness areas like Norse Peak Wilderness. However, the broader region may offer mountain biking opportunities outside the wilderness boundaries. For routes suitable for mountain biking in the general area, consult the MTB Trails in Norse Peak Wilderness guide.
Norse Peak Wilderness offers trails suitable for jogging and running. The diverse landscape provides varied terrain for runners. Specific routes can be found in the Running Trails in Norse Peak Wilderness guide.
Yes, Norse Peak Wilderness features trails suitable for various skill levels, including easier options. These trails often traverse lower elevations or less strenuous paths. For specific easy routes, consult the Easy hikes in Norse Peak Wilderness guide.
Elevations in Norse Peak Wilderness range from 3,000 feet (914 meters) at the Greenwater River to 6,856 feet (2,090 meters) at Norse Peak itself. Fifes Peaks reach approximately 6,900 feet (2,103 meters).
The wilderness area features narrow drainages and diverse landscapes where waterfalls may be present. For information on routes that include waterfalls, refer to the Waterfall hikes in Norse Peak Wilderness guide.
Norse Peak Wilderness is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors should check with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest or Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for current permit requirements or regulations before visiting.
Norse Peak Wilderness is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 2,000 visitors sharing their experiences. Routes in the area have an average rating of 4.71 out of 5 stars based on over 100 ratings.
Norse Peak Wilderness is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The official website for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is fs.usda.gov/okawen, and their phone number is +1-509-664-9200. The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest also manages parts of the area.
Norse Peak Wilderness spans both sides of the Cascade Mountain Range crest, offering diverse scenery. The western side features dense forests of Douglas fir and hemlock, transitioning to subalpine fir and alpine meadows at higher elevations. The drier eastern side showcases larch, spruce, and pine forests.
Yes, hiking to the summit of Norse Peak, which is 6,856 feet (2,090 meters) high, offers expansive panoramic views. On clear days, these views can include Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Crystal Mountain, and sometimes even Mount Hood, Glacier Peak, and the Olympic Mountains.

