Mt Teneriffe via the Kamikaze Trail, Mt Teneriffe Trailhead, Seattle - Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Snoqualmie Pass - Central Cascades, Washington
Mt Teneriffe via the Kamikaze Trail - 9.0 miles
Mt Teneriffe Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 9.0 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 977’ – 4,805’ (4,805' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +3,838’ net elevation gain (+3,982’ total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Strenuous |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Mt Teneriffe via the Kamikaze Trail - 9.0 Miles Round-Trip
Mt. Teneriffe (4,805') is located within the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA), just north of I-90 and the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. The NRCA was established in 1987 to protect the region's outstanding geologic features, old growth forests and wildlife habitat.
The Mt. Teneriffe - Kamikaze route combines two trails with very different personalities. The first two-thirds follows the Teneriffe Trail on a gently graded road to improved switchbacks up to the 150’ cascade of Kamikaze Falls (variously known as Teneriffe Falls).
The Kamikaze Trail climbs 2385' in just 1.5 miles above the falls on a direct, extremely steep route to the summit. Hiking poles and good tread are essential here; avoid this upper section in wet or muddy conditions:
The Teneriffe Trail heads NW on a gentle logging road past a water tank before curving north to an intersection at .9 miles (1,211'). Turn right for Teneriffe Falls and continue through intervals of alder on a narrow, graded track.
It follows contours across the lower south flank of Teneriffe from 1.5 - 2.0 miles with partial views south to Mailbox Peak and Rattlesnake to another split for Teneriffe Falls (2.0 miles : 1,580') - turn right.
The trail soon narrows and steepens on switchbacks past small cascades and a large fall (2.9 miles) to a short spur for Kamikaze (Teneriffe) Falls (3.0 miles : 2,420').
The voluminous 150' cascade tumbles from steep cliffs above and is best viewed from the mists directly below. Step with care and enjoy the reprieve here as travel is markedly difficult past the falls.
The Kamikaze Trail continues .25 miles past the falls and eschews switchbacks for a direct, unrelenting climb up the shoulder of Mt. Teneriffe to a rocky outcrop with great views across Snoqualmie Valley (3.4 miles : 2,822').
It continues above the overlook on a beeline straight for the summit along the spine of the shoulder. The trail here is very steep but not badly eroded; nevertheless good tread and poles are helpful on the way up and essential on the descent.
The forest opens through 4.25 miles (4,285') and winds through rocky outcrops with expanding views up to the Mt. Teneriffe summit (4.5 miles, 4,805'). Enjoy rangy panoramas that include distant volcanoes before making the knee-jarring descent back to the falls.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N47 29.172 W121 42.081 — 0.0 miles : Mt Teneriffe Trailhead
- N47 29.379 W121 42.509 — .5 miles: Gradual ascent on roadbed
- N47 29.670 W121 42.400 — .92 miles: Turn right at signed junction
- N47 29.641 W121 42.097 — 1.4 miles: Contour across south face of Teneriffe
- N47 29.892 W121 42.549 — 2.0 miles: Turn right at signed junction
- N47 30.042 W121 42.579 — 2.55 miles: Climb steeply on switchbacks
- N47 30.128 W121 42.496 — 3.0 miles: Teneriffe Falls (2,420')
- N47 30.091 W121 42.390 — 3.4 miles: Pass rocky overlook on right
- N47 30.325 W121 42.166 — 3.85 miles: Continue steeply straight up shoulder
- N47 30.459 W121 41.896 — 4.25 miles: Continue steeply toward summit
- N47 30.530 W121 41.709 — 4.5 miles: Mt. Teneriffe summit (4,805')
Worth Noting
- The Kamikaze Trail is an extremely steep and direct alternative to the newly-created – but lengthy (14 miles round trip) Mt. Teneriffe Road Trail. Good tread and poles are essential for the upper portion this ascent. Avoid this segment in wet or muddy conditions. Alternatively, descend the Mt. Teneriffe Road trail from the summit.
- The Kamikaze Trail refers to the segment from Kamikaze (Teneriffe) Falls to the summit. The trail to the falls is designated by the DNR as the Teneriffe Falls trail.
- The Trailhead parking area is unsigned except for a Discover Pass notice. This is also a school bus turnaround so leave room if using on a school day.
- Mt. Teneriffe is located in the nearly 21,000 acre Mt. Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA). The Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) was established in 1987 to protect natural resources “including outstanding geologic features, examples of old growth forest, wildflower communities, and habitat for mountain goat and other species of wildlife.”
- Pacific Silver Fir and Mountain Hemlock can be found at the upper regions of this trail.
Camping and Backpacking Information
The nearest campground is the Middle Fork Campground east of Mt. Teneriffe in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie valley. This road is currently under construction until 2016, with weekday closures in effect. Check for latest updates.
Rules and Regulations
- A Discover Pass is required to park and access trails from the Mt Teneriffe Trailhead.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times.
- Group size is limited to 12 people; camping and fires are not permitted.
- This is a hiking-only trail.
Directions to Trailhead
The Mt. Teneriffe Kamikaze Trail is located 4.4 miles off Exit 32 on I-90 at North Bend.
From I-90, take exit 32 (signed 436th Ave) and turn left (north) off the ramp. Continue a short way to a T intersection at North Bend Way and turn left. Make the first right onto Mt. Si Road at the coffee kiosk. Continue on Mt. Si Road for 3.5 miles to a school bus turnaround / parking area on the left with a Discover Pass sign. This is the Teneriffe trailhead.
The school bus turnaround has room for about 15 cars and does have restrooms. Allow room for buses to turnaround on school days.
Contact Information
Washington State Department of Resources (DNR)
1111 Washington Street SE | PO Box 47000
Olympia, WA 98504-7000
360.902.1000
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