Contact Info
Suite 3A
Everett, WA 98201
- Phone:
- 425-783-6000
- Toll-Free:
- 800-627-0062
Basics
- Length:
- 5 miles one-way
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Elevation Range:
- 4600 feet to 5900 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 1300 feet
- Usage:
- Medium
- Season:
- Spring to Fall
Description
This trail is within the Glacier Peaks Wilderness leaving the Pacific Crest Trail at Miners Creek and ending up on the Chiwawa River on the Wenatchee side. This is a hard hike climbing up to the pass, passing through meadows, numerous switchbacks and crossing ridge tops. Views from the pass are spectacular.
The trail begins climbing out of the valley floor, switch-backing steeply up the hill. At 2 miles, Sheep Camp Trail No. 787 leads off to the left. As the name implies, sheepherders once used this trail heavily. This short 1.0-mile trail follows along a ridge below Fortress Mtn. to some spectacular views of Glacier Peak. This area has excellent campsites for both stockmen and backpackers because of water availability.
Continuing up the Middle Ridge for another 3 miles, you come to Buck Creek Pass, which is famed for its vistas of Glacier Peak. Views of Flower Dome, Helmet Butte and Liberty Cap on a clear day are among the most spectacular in the Wilderness. The pass is closed to horse camping except in designated horse camps.
At 0.5 mile, north of the pass is Flower Dome trail No. 799. This short, 1.0-mile route follows along a meadowed alpine spur to the rounded summit. A hike to the top of this aptly named mountain gives one marvelous view amid meadows that display an incredible range of wildflowers. Buck Creek Trail No. 1513 continues for 9.3 miles and ends at Chiwawa River Road No. 311 on the Wenatchee National Forest.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle parked at the trailhead.
Details
Length:
Difficulty:
Elevation Range:
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Usage:
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Useful Map(s):
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
This trail is within the Glacier Peak Wilderness off the Pacific Crest Trail #2000, 2.3 miles west from Suiattle Pass and 4.3 miles east from Suiattle River Trail #784.
Drive 7.0 miles north of the Darrington on State Highway 530 to the Suiattle River Road. Turn left onto the Suiattle River Road and continue 22.6 miles to the Suiattle River Trailhead.
