Baldy Mountain

Found on maps as the T.P. Jim Trail, the way up Baldy Mountain is open and exposed. T.P. Jim was a local tour guide and Central Washington University graduate who helped local youths avoid gangs trouble and become more involved in hiking and climbing. He has been honored with a trail and monument named after him. The monument can be found at the summit of Baldy.

There's a real danger of overheating on this trail in the summer months, so it may be best saved for an early spring or fall hike, perhaps even a winter conditioner.

As you make your way up the steep trail across from Big Pines campground, there are two choices of trail. The first is the T.P. Jim trail. It is extremely steep, but does provide a minimal amount of shade in before coming up onto a flank of Baldy into the sun. Go straight through the gate for this trail.

The more moderate ascent is offered by the trail to your left just before you pass through the gate. This is a little more forgiving route as far as steepness goes, but it's very exposed. The two routes converge about a mile up, and there are some very steep sections afterward, though not quite as steep as the start of the T.P. Jim Trail.

The way is straightforward, though the trail may be faint. Along the way, enjoy wildflowers encouraging you with every step in the springtime. In autumn, the fall color in the Yakima valley can be stunning. And on clear days, the panorama of the Cascade crest is gorgeous.