Long Mountain by Anaconda Peak via Marten Creek Trail / 長山

  • Reading time:5 mins read

Long Mountain by Anaconda Peak (Gordon Ridge) overlooks Mountain Loop Highway. It rises 3700′ from South Fork Stillaguamish River in 1.2 miles. Meanwhile, Marten Creek Trail offers the quickest way to this obscure summit.

Long Mountain in the mist
Long Mountain in the mist

See more trip photos here.

Long Mountain at a Glance

Access: Marten Creek Trailhead
Round Trip: TBD
Elevation Range: 1400′-5113′
Gear: helmet
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: no

Marten Creek Trail

We would visit Long Mountain once, and that would be it. The peak was slightly over 5000′, but our late morning start made it feel like an all-day ordeal. Despite the steep terrain, the nice thing about the climb was that it was direct.

After hiking west of the peak, we picked a random spot and left the trail. We soon found ourselves swimming in a sea of stingy nettle and the slide alder. It would’ve been great to have some slow lower down but not up high.

Marten Creek Trail
Marten Creek Trail

See more trip photos here.

West Route

I spotted the gully noted in a report, which was still dry. Glad we didn’t need to contend with any snow but only the loose rocks. There were many solid holds to get us up to the summit area.

We found one class 3/4 section with tall steps below the north ridge. So I guided the dogs through this section with lots of caution. Soon, we made the final stretch over a short scramble to the misty summit.

Traversing talus in the west basin
Traversing talus in the west basin

See more trip photos here.

Long Mountain Summit Plus Exit

The summit was cloudy the entire time during our visit. So we didn’t see nearby peaks like Anaconda Peak and Bald Mountain. But we got glimpses of Mountain Loop Highway below us at the southern foothills.

Because of the dire forecast, I had mentally prepared myself not to see anything up top. Oh well, better luck next time, I suppose! But there likely won’t be the next time.

The winding Mountain Loop Highway
The winding Mountain Loop Highway

See more trip photos here.

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