Headlee Pass

The trail to Headlee Pass is part of the same trail used to access Sunrise Mine and Vesper Peak. The route begins in dense forest, and the trial requries some attention to footing due to roots and rocks. There are three river crossings, and after the third, things begin to get a little steep. Green brush blankets the hillside, and the trail eventually heads through a patch of trees before entering an open upper valley of rocks and the Sunrise Mine off to the right. The increasing elevation gain may require a small break or two as you make your way up from the bottom of this area. A wide selection of berries can be found along the trailside including blueberries, salmonberries, and a few others. The trail will eventually break away from the bushes and into another patch of trees. This is where the real elevation gain begins to take charge, and there is nothing more than rocks to use for footing. This will lead to a fair workout on the ankles as the feet as you continuously work to create balanced footing. The very last bit to the top of the hillside leaves the rocks as the switchbacks increase along with the rate of elevation gain. From here hikers have the choice to continue to Vesper Peak or return the way they came.