Green Mountain - Wildcat Trail

The Wildcat Trail on Green Mountain follows a multi-use trail on a steep, rocky ascent to the peak. Along the way, enjoy views of Hood Canal, the Olympics, and sometimes even downtown Seattle!

Because this trail is open to motorized vehicles, it may not provide the wilderness experience that many hikers are looking for. But it's a great one for training, offering a longer, steep alternative to the Gold Creek or Plummer Trails to the summit, since it's five miles from the summit to trailhead, rather than the two and a half from the Gold Creek Trail.

Begin in relatively open, dry forest on somewhat level ground. Three-quarters of a mile in, the trail crosses a logging road for the first time. There are six road crossings total, and each one is well-signed. Since Green Mountain is also a working forest, there is occasional logging activity, and the roads provide access for log trucks and equipment when necessary.

Past the first road crossing the trail becomes rockier and steeper, and your first views of the Sound appear. Continue climbing up and up, and the forest encroaches. The water here has encouraged rampant growth, and you see how Green Mountain must have gotten its name.

Cross the road three more times, passing the Green Mountain campground. This is a horse camp, primarily, but there is also a large meeting space and some cabins. Contact DNR for information on camping here.

Continuing on the Wildcat Trail, there a junction with the Beaver Pond trail less than a quarter mile past the Horse Camp. This makes a nice lollipop loop option; if you want, take the Beaver Pond Trail to the summit, then follow Wildcat Trail back down to this junction.

If you elect to stay on the Wildcat Trail, you're a little more than halfway to your destination. The trail now begins to traverse along the flank of a lower summit of Green Mountain, and views begin to open up. Look for the radio towers of Gold Mountain ahead, and Puget Sound, maybe even Seattle to your left!

The trail begins to descend from the viewpoints of the Sound, towards another road crossing. This leads to your last mile of climbing towards the summit. The Wildcat Trail ends at the Vista Trail parking area -- it's a short jaunt from here up the Vista Trail, which leads off left from the restrooms to the true summmit of Green Mountain.

Picnic tables are available at the top, where you can spread out your lunch and take in the views from behind the protected viewpoint -- there's a hurricane fence protecting hikers from the steep dropoff below, but it's wise to be careful anyway.