Travel

April Hike of the Month: Dirty Harry’s Balcony

This short two mile hike up to Dirty Harry's Balcony is well worth the views

By Hilary Meyerson April 5, 2019

20190329_113029

Dirty Harry’s Peak is named after a logger of questionable repute—his logging in the North Bend area earned him the moniker. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the short two mile hike up to Dirty Harry’s Balcony; it’s about an hour’s trek from the trailhead. Those who wish to go further can hike on up to Dirty Harry’s Museum (the names just get better and better) where you can see Harry’s old GMC truck–the only artifact in this “museum.” But beware—there may still be snow on the trail.

To get to the trailhead, take exit 38 off I-90 and follow signs to the Fire Training Academy. You’ll go under the highway; continue until you reach the small parking area. (Don’t forget your Discover Pass!). Follow the gravel path from the trailhead sign until it comes to the paved road to the Fire Academy. There is a bridge over the south fork of the Snoqualmie River—cross it and the trail continues on the other side, on the right. 

Once there, you’ll find that this is the most well-marked trail you’ll ever hike. Signs for Dirty Harry Peak Trail will be on low posts all the way to the Balcony. This is to distinguish the main trail from the many spurs from it that that lead to spots for rock climbers. The area is a favorite of the ropes and piton set. While the spurs lead off to cliff faces, you’ll still encounter many boulders of impressive size on the trail. It zigzags through a fern-dotted forest, but is easy to follow and blissfully all dirt, after this snow-heavy winter and has a moderate elevation gain.

As you climb, the rocks and ferns will give way to an impressive cinema-worthy landscape of massive downed trees. The trail itself is completely clear, due to impressive work by the Washington Trails Association. Along the way to the final “Balcony” or viewpoint, there are several others that offer impressive views—a nice compensation for the fact that you are never too far from some road noise of I-90. There is a final push from the main trail, up a short steep section that gets you to the Balcony—a view east of the Snoqualmie River Valley. You’ll see I-90 way down below, and McClellan Peak and Defiance Ridge at the other end. Snoqualmie Pass is ahead as well.

After a break at the Balcony, you can head back down, or for those looking for more climbing, go back to the main trail and continue on to the Museum and the summit. While the entire trail to the Balcony is snow free, an hour’s climb from there will put you back in the white stuff until the weather is a little warmer.

Heed that signs that say to beware of the cliffs—the rocky outlooks of this hike all have steep drops below. Dogs should be kept on leashes, and little ones close at hand. But this easily accessible I-90 corridor hike is a great first spring outing to get the hiking boots (and your muscles!) loosened up for summer trails.

Follow Us

Girlfriend Getaways: Explore Self-Care Throughout March

Girlfriend Getaways: Explore Self-Care Throughout March

Where to unwind during Women Making History Month

On International Women’s Day March 8, or Women Making History Month throughout March in Washington state, I encourage you to get outside and explore. Create, rest, indulge in self-care, or whatever your soul may be craving a little more of at the moment.

Hiking Tips from a Peak Performer

Hiking Tips from a Peak Performer

Eighty-six-year-old David Birkner has an unparalleled passion for hiking and climbing

David Birkner has been a Wharton economics student, a naval officer stationed at Pearl Harbor, a travel agent, a freelance writer, a pioneering environmental activist, an outdoor guide, an elementary school teacher and a successful entrepreneur. But mostly, the 86-year-old walks – on all five continents, from the southernmost tip of South America to North Africa to…

Respect New Social Norms While Hiking

Respect New Social Norms While Hiking

Hiking these days requires more thoughtful planning

This story appears in the July-August combo issue of Seattle magazine and Seattle Business magazine. Subscription information is here. The pandemic threw a lot of plans off course, but it didn’t cancel alpine wildflower season, bright yellow autumn larches or mountain waterfalls. Despite social distancing guidelines, there’s no better time to escape to nature. Studies show…

Go Take a Hike at One of These Five Hidden Gems

Go Take a Hike at One of These Five Hidden Gems

Experts suggest their favorite socially distant escapes

Snoquera Falls; Cutthroat Lake in the North Cascades; A biker on the Olympic Discovery Trail at Olympic National Park