A fairly well trod trail extends upward (moderately steep in several sections), passing first through dark forest with many forest wildflowers and shrubs. Eventually the trail will briefly skirt the eastern side of an old clearcut before plunging back into the forest. Eventually you will reach an open rocky area on the north which has views north and east over the impressive Big Lava Bed below and Mt Adams in the distance. This is a good spot for an extended rest, with views and a number of wildflowers, including the vibrant Rock Penstemon.
Proceed west along the ridgetop, which is partly open and partly forested. Eventually, you will descend slightly downhill, before zigzagging up an open, loosely gravelled slope. Stay on the path to prevent erosion, and also to protect yourself from injury! One can easily lose their footing on this slope, which is the base of the actual grassy knoll. Interesting heat loving wildflowers should be visible along the path at this spot for much of June and perhaps early July. After a mile of steep climbing, you should arrive at the summit of Grassy Knoll. This is a great spot for a picnic, with abundant flowers near the summit, and nice views west and to the south.
One may proceed farther up the trail toward Big Huckleberry Mt. This used to be a section of the old Pacific Crest Trail, but it now sees less travel, and may be somewhat overgrown or may see some blow down which may be slow to be removed during the summer. The trail is longer and more windy than it shows on the map. Much of the trail is in deep, dark woods. From the top of Big Huckleberry, one can see down toward the Big Lava Bed to the east, and northward towards Red Mt at the south end of Indian Heaven Wilderness. If you do proceed to Big Huckleberry Mt., be aware that you will need the best part of a day to cover the distance and safely return.
Grassy Knoll is a great hike at any time there is no snow on the trail, although it might be a bit muddy after extended rainy periods, or directly after the snow melts in the spring.
Wildflowers generally begin blooming in late April or early May, depending on exposure to sun. The meadows show earlyier bloom than the forest floor. The peak bloom is from early June into mid July. One can probably find a few blooms extending into September. Mid and late summer also find numerous ripe berries.
From Washington State Road 14 which parallels the Columbia River, there are two main approaches to Grassy Knoll. The westernmost involves exiting SR 14 northward to Carson, WA. Continue north on the main north-south street through Carson. As you leave Carson, the highway veers northwest and soon crosses the deep chasm of the Wind River. Approximately one-half to three-quarters of a mile past the Wind River Bridge, you will see a road that veers off to the right. The sign should say Bear Creek. Take this right. There is a second right close past the Bear Creek turnoff, and this will take you further west up the Panther Creek drainage. On Bear Creek road, you will descend a small hill to a very sharp turn at a point where the road crosses the creek. Stay on the paved road as it veers sharply right and winds through a residential area. Go slow here! After several miles the pavement will end. Cross Bear Creek as the road veers right again and take forest road #6808 (gravel) as it begins to climb the ridge. There are numerous places to pull off the road for views to the Columbia River, Wind Mt., Dog Mt., and also to ramble along the road cuts looking for wildflowers which bloom in May and June (sometimes early July after cool springs). Road #6808 climbs and winds along the ridge for five or six miles. Eventually it will reach road #68 at a T- intersection. Turn left onto Rd #68 and proceed 1 1/2 to 2 miles to a point where you will see a small meadow ahead, with a service road to the right (rd #511). This is where you will park. Place all valuables in the trunk and out of sight, and lock your vehicles. At least in the past, there has been some problem with break ins.
The eastern approach to Grassy Knoll involves driving to Drano Lake on SR 14, which is about seven or eight miles west of Bingen, WA. At the west end of Drano Lake, you will see a white sign next to the railroad tracks saying Cook. You will also see a paved road climbing fairly steeply up the slope on the other side of the highway. This is Skamania County road #86. It climbs toward Mill Flat, Willard National Fish Hatchery, and Willard. Past the Willard Work Center (Gifford Pinchot), you will turn left onto forest road #66. This road is paved. Continue west for about two miles until you see forest road #68 (which should be gravel) and which continues straight, while paved road #66 will turn to the right. Proceed upwards on forest road #68 for about four miles. You will eventually pass forest road #6808 on the left. Proceed 1 1/2 to 2 miles to a point where you will see a small meadow ahead, with a service road to the right (rd #511). This is where you will park. Place all valuables in the trunk and out of sight, and lock your vehicles. At least in the past, there has been some problem with break ins.
There are several ways to approach Grassy Knoll from the north via road, but it would be best to purchase a forest map to determine the best route from your starting point.
Mountain Hollyhock and Indian-parsnip, monkeyflower, and stonecrop may be found a little farther northwest on forest road #68.