The North Ridge Trail is definitely more difficult than some of the other routes up to the summit of Marys Peak, but it is also one of the less traveled routes which means lots of solitude through one of the most beautiful forests in the Coast Range.
The trailhead is a large turnout on the left side of a gravel road right before a gate. There is room here for about 8-10 cars. You will find the trailhead located right behind the closed gate on the right, marked by a small post that lets you know what modes of transportation are allowed on the trail. This is a popular trail with mountain bikers, but mountain biking is prohibited on all Marys Peak trails from October 15th to May 15th. During the winter and early spring months you will not have to worry about mountain bikers barreling down this trail.