Jolly Mountain is a 13.9-mile round-trip climb with 4,000 feet of elevation gain to a 6,440-foot summit above the Salmon La Sac area. The trail starts at the back of Cayuse Horse Camp on Salmon La Sac Road, about 16 miles past Roslyn.
Closure: As of October 6, 2026, the Forest Service has part of the Cle Elum Ranger District closed through October 31, 2026 because of the Three Queens Fire, including the Rachel Lake, Pete Lake and Cooper River trails. Check the current closure order (opens in a new tab) before you head out.
Quick facts
- Distance: 13.9 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 4,000 feet
- High point: 6,440 feet
- Trailhead: Jolly Mountain (#1307), at Cayuse Horse Camp
- Pass: Northwest Forest Pass (opens in a new tab) or America the Beautiful pass
- Shared with: stock and dirt bikes
- Shorter option: via the Sasse Ridge Trail, 6.6 miles round trip with about 2,000 feet of gain
Why go
From the top you can see the West Teanaway, the Enchantments, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.
A fire lookout stood on the summit from 1921 to 1968. Today a stone windbreak marks the spot. Parts of the route pass through the burn from the 2017 Jolly Mountain fire.
Our take: A vigorous climb to one of the best panoramic summits in the area.
Getting there
Take I-90 exit 80 and head north on Bullfrog Road, following signs for Highway 903 through two roundabouts. Continue through Roslyn and Ronald. The trailhead is on the right about 16 miles past Roslyn at Cayuse Horse Camp, and it won’t be signed for Jolly Mountain. Parking fits only 2 or 3 small cars, and there’s a Sno-Park lot a quarter mile back.
Before you go
- Bring a Northwest Forest Pass (opens in a new tab).
- Expect horses and dirt bikes on the trail.
- Carry extra water. It’s a long climb with 4,000 feet of gain.
- Always check to make sure the trails are open before you go.
- Packing list: our hiking gear checklist.
Common questions
How long is the Jolly Mountain hike?
The standard route is 13.9 miles round trip with 4,000 feet of gain. The Sasse Ridge route is shorter, at 6.6 miles round trip with about 2,000 feet of gain.
Where does the Jolly Mountain trail start?
At the back of Cayuse Horse Camp on Salmon La Sac Road, about 16 miles past Roslyn. The trailhead isn’t signed for Jolly Mountain.
Trail stats from Washington Trails Association (opens in a new tab) (Sasse Ridge route (opens in a new tab)). Last checked October 11, 2026.
More in this area: Hyas Lake, Thorp Mountain Lookout, the Salmon La Sac area guide.
More trails near Cle Elum
Hiking · Biking · Off-roading · ATV & UTV · Snowmobiling · Horseback · Teanaway guide · Salmon La Sac guide