Teneriffe Falls and Mount Teneriffe Loop

The Teneriffe Falls and Mount Teneriffe Loop is a big hike with big payoff. Parts of this loop are steep and rocky, so we recommend coming in good weather and bringing poles if you have them. We also recommend bringing GPS to help with the lesser-travelled Kamikaze Trail up Mount Teneriffe. You could go either way, but we recommend counterclockwise for an easier descent on the knees. If you’d rather descend very steeply to avoid a bit of a tougher beginning, try clockwise.

From the parking lot, take the 0.6mi access trail and turn left on the old logging road. This road quickly narrows to a trail. After 0.4mi on this trail, look for the Teneriffe Falls signage and follow it. This recently improved trail follows switchbacks in and out of a talus field until it reaches Kamikaze Trail. Along the way, stop to enjoy the falls, which are at their best in late spring.

Backtrack from the falls and look for a climber’s trail to the right. Follow this trail as it climbs 400ft to a saddle and go left to ascend directly up the ridge. The trail heads to hiker’s left through a meadow and a rock band. After passing through a last stand of trees, take a short scramble to reach the summit.

From here, head northwest across the ridge to traverse towards Blowdown Mountain. This traverse may not be as well-maintained, but it’s fairly level. You’ll cursive around Blowdown and stay left at a junction between two creek crossings, then begin to switchback down the mountain face. Watch your GPS to avoid taking one of the connecting trails on the way down.

Cross a bridge over a stream, and head west to connect with the trail-turned-logging road, which will lead you back to the trailhead.