[ragman and rodman]

Trailhead: From Enumclaw... drive Hwy 410 towards Mt. Rainier... one mile beyond Buck Creek Campground turn left onto FS 7170... drive less than a quarter-mile and park off the road at the Green Timbers sign... then walk FS 7170 for ~100 feet to the unofficial trailhead (2760'). We hiked along Deep Creek for 50 yards and found the official trailhead for Deep Creek Trail #1196... which we followed for ~4 miles to the ridge (6000') that connects Knoble Knob and Mutton Mtn... then followed the ridge east for .75 miles to the Mutton Mtn summit (6156'). This seldom-visited summit provides stunning views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade range from Snoqualmie Pass to the Stuart Range... Mt. Adams, Mt. Baker and Glacier Peak were also visible. Frost on the trail at 4500 feet... Micro-spikes at 4800 feet... snowshoes at 5600 feet... ice ax not required. 9.7 miles roundtrip... gaining 3728 feet of elevation. GPS route and photos of our hike/snowshoe trip to Mutton Mountain. Thanks to Mike Torok and Sadie's Driver for information on this hike. Alternate routes: 1. Continue driving Hwy 410 for another half-mile and turn left onto FS 7174... drive a short distance and park at the Corral Pass Gate... then hike a half-mile back towards Deep Creek to where we found the official trailhead for Deep Creek Trail #1196... add 1 mile roundtrip and minimal elevation gain if you choose this route. 2. When the snow has melted you can drive FS 7174 to Corral Pass (5700') and follow trail #1184 for ~2 miles to Mutton Mtn... 4 miles roundtrip, gaining less than 500 feet of elevation. ..

[TrailPair]

We did Mutton four years ago via a long road walk and Corral Pass. Your route looks much more interesting!