79 Grind Trail

79 Grind Trail in Mission is exactly what it sounds like: a straight-up leg burner with a huge payoff. This 5.3 km out-and-back climb gains about 556 m to roughly 711 m elevation, and most people report it feeling harder than the stats suggest. It’s steep, steady, and honest, with a lookout platform that gives you big views over Stave Lake, Devils Lake, and the surrounding peaks when the weather cooperates.

The hike starts off with stairs and quickly settles into a consistent climb through classic Mission forest, shaded and rooty with a few logging road crossings and a short detour option to a waterfall near the start. The lower sections of the 79 Grind Trail are very well marked with ribbons and signs, though things get a bit less obvious above about 500 m, so you’ll want to pay attention to markers. On a clear day, you’ll get a couple of sneak peeks through the trees before stepping onto the lookout platform, where the views open right up and there’s even an outhouse at the top.

Recent hikers say the trail is in good shape but very steep, with the downhill often feeling tougher than the climb because of loose dirt, slippery roots, and wet timber, so solid hiking shoes and poles are strongly recommended. It can be buggy, muddy in spots, and the viewpoints at the top are often fogged in, so try to time 79 Grind Trail for a clear, cooler day and start early. Expect around 2.5–3 hours for most people, go in a group, make noise for wildlife, and don’t be shy about turning around if the grind or conditions feel like too much.