Glacier Peak Region
Heather Lake
Length (RT): about 4.0 mi Diff. Level: easy/moderate Elev. Gain: 1100 ft Season: June-November
This neat little hike offers grand virgin forest of hemlocks and cedars plus a lovely lake hugging the base of Mt. Pilchuck. Initially, start on an old logging road from the late forties through dense second-growth timber. Then as you get closer to Heather Creek, the trail leaves the old road into supreme forest. I'm always amazed at the contrast between the two forests. It's like night and day! Some of these trees are 7 feet in diameter. Switchback somewhat steeply to the cirque and level out into 2400-foot Heather Lake (2.0 miles; 39.8 KB). From here, I like to go to the other end of the lake for my lunch spot. Here's a shot of the lake at that location. In 1992, I made it up here in March and heard an avalanche. It was very close but I couldn't see it. Volunteers have made a boardwalk trail to negotiate the fragile wetland area at this end of the lake.
Update:The beginning of the trail has been rerouted and now joins the old road later. There is now an excellent trail that goes around the lake!
How to get there:
Take Highway 92 to the bridge just past Verlot and turn right on Mt. Pilchuck road. Go up this miserably washboarded, potholed road 1.2 miles to the large trailhead parking area with an outhouse.
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Lake Twenty Two
Length (RT): 5.0 mi Diff. Level: moderate Elev. Gain: 1400 ft Season: June-November
This is another good virgin forest hike. Plus you'll get some waterfalls and a nice lake at the end. Initially, the way crosses a tiny creek and parallels the highway for a bit before climbing straight up to another level area and crossing of Twenty Two Creek and a nice waterfall. The trail then climbs straight up along the creek, passing two more waterfalls. Look for spur paths leading to them. Soon magnificent forest of cedars and hemlocks (some of the cedars are 9-ft in diameter) is left behind as the way reaches the base of an avalanche slope. Switchback up this area with nice views and finally, level out into forest again. Now, you will be cutting straight in along Twenty Two Creek and drop a bit to the lake itself (2400 ft; 2.5 miles). Here's a shot of Lake Twenty Two (32.7 KB) in late February of one year. Bring a fishing pole as there are some nice trout in this lake.
How to get there:
Take Highway 92 0.6 miles past the Mt. Pilchuck road and turn right into the trailhead parking area.
Bear and Pinnacle Lakes
Length (RT): 4.0 mi Diff. Level: easy/moderate Elev. Gain: 1300 ft Season: May-November
The way initially begins on a good gravel path that soon reaches a fork. The right goes a short bit to forest-ringed, marshy shorelined Bear Lake (2775 ft). Bring repellent! I've never fished it but may bring my float tube and flyrods next time. The other fork goes up to Pinnacle Lake (3800 ft; 24.3 KB). Switchback up to a ridge crest on a very rough, rooty, rocky trail. Once on the ridge there are some nice views of Bear Lake below and Glacier Peak. Then you'll level into a beautiful subalpine area with ponds and "ornamental" trees typical of the alpine setting. Soon drop a bit to the lake and outlet mouth of Black Creek (2.0 miles).
How to get there:
Take Highway 92 4.6 miles past Verlot and turn right on Road 4020 (the road for the Bald Mountain trailhead). In 2.6 miles reach a junction. Turn right onto No. 4021 (Bear-Pinnacle lakes). In another 1.4 miles is a "Y". The left is signed "4021-016-Trailhead." Keep right and soon cross Black Creek and in 1.5 miles, cross Bear Creek and the trailhead parking area just a bit beyond.
Mt. Dickerman
Length (RT): 8.5 mi Diff. Level: very strenuous Elev. Gain: 3800 ft Season: late July-October
This is a superb late summer/early fall hike choice when the colors are here and the blueberries are fat and juicy. The views are tremendous as well. I love the transition from lowland forest to alpine meadows. From the new trailhead, head up into woods roughly a quarter mile or so to the junction with the old Dickerman trail. Head uphill and begin a countless series of well-graded switchbacks. At around 2 miles, you'll notice a shift from cedars/hemlocks/douglas firs to Alaskan cedars and other subalpine firs. The way then traverses around big cliffs to the parkland bench (31.0 KB) famous for its blueberries (2.75 miles). This is a great spot for taking panoramic shots of the mountainous scenery. The next half mile is pure blueberry heaven. Resume switchbacking steeply in meadows to the very summit of Dickerman (5723 ft; 4.25 miles). Here's a new shot of Glacier Peak from the summit (26.8 KB). Panoramic views!!!!
Update: I did this one again in September 2000. Note there is now a new trailhead with a lot more parking than the old one which had been barely more than a pullout on the road side! I had some extra energy so I scrambled down to the ridge that leads towards Mt. Forgotten. Here is a shot of Dickermen (24.2 KB) from this area. Finally, here is another view shot from the summit of Dickerman (26.5 KB).
How to get there:
Take Highway 92 to the Big Four Picnic Area (nice short hike to ice caves here). Now be on the alert for a sign signalling the new Mt. Dickerman trailhead which is a major improvement over the old one.
Gothic Basin (to Foggy Lake)
Length (RT): about 9.5 mi Diff. Level: strenuous Elev. Gain: 2900 ft Season: late july-October
Geologists or rock lovers will love this one. The Gothic Basin area is a mixture of conglomerates, granite, limestone, and sandstone. Plus, surrounding ponds and lakes are just lovely. Ok, the way starts on the old Monte Cristo road which has been gated for years. In one mile, just before you would cross Sauk river, turn right onto the actual trail.
Thanks to trail crews, this first section now has been reconstructed! In the old days, it was quite muddy, rough in spots, and sometimes hard to follow. Switchback once and head up a bit before dropping down through an open, brushy area. Enter woods again and boardwalks navigate you through a wet section to the river. After climbing some more, drop down to a fair sized creek which would be hazardous to cross during high water. They have now put in man-made stepping stones for you to use. Warning: the steps are slippery! In my opinion, a bridge should be put in here instead. The stream is easily crossed when low though.
I think this next section may have had some work too. Years ago when I did this, I didn't remember so many switchbacks and the way was wet, overgrown and hard to follow in various sections. It's now a series of pretty steep switchbacks on pretty good trail. Finally, the way enters more open country and levels. Before long, you'll reach a series of three creek crossings in slot gorges.This area is very dangerous when snow is present and may not be clear until August in some years. Summer 1999: a young woman died when a snow bridge gave away under her feet. Here are your first major views.
The next section is in brush and the trail is rather rough and rocky. Eventually, King Kong's Showerbath (53.1 KB) is reached. Pass Consolidated Mine and continue climbing steeply via a very rocky section of trail. In some spots, you need to use your hands to climb. Finally, the way enters heather terrain for a half mile before reaching the crest of the ridge and entrance to Gothic Basin (5000 ft; 4.0 miles; 37.4 KB). I was just amazed at the contrast between the basin and rest of the trail terrain. The way goes a bit more to a small pond and a campsite. To reach Foggy Lake, climb up the buttress above the pond and find the outlet stream. Follow the stream to 5300-foot Foggy Lake (4.75 miles; 36.5 KB). The peak on your left is Gothic Peak and the right is Del Campo Peak. Next time, I plan on scrambling to Foggy Pass which is at the other end of the lake between those two peaks.
Update: I had the good fortune to hike this trail again back in late September 2000. I didn't get to bag Gothic Peak or the pass due to time constraints, but I did discover some beautiful spots in the basin. Here is a shot of a nice waterfall (55.2 KB) below a tiny tarn which is fed by the outlet of Foggy Lake. Here's a view of Weden Lake (52.0 KB) taken below the falls. I continued to follow a faint trail which climbed up to a rocky point overlooking beautiful Weden Lake (66.6 KB).
How to get there:
Take Highway 92 to Barlow Pass and the large trailhead parking area (19.5 miles from Verlot).
Monte Cristo Townsite
Length (RT): 8+ mi Diff. Level: easy Elev. Gain: 400 ft Season: May-November
This is a nice road walk to an old townsite rich with history. Be sure to bring along Philip R. Woodhouse's "Monte Cristo," published in 1979 by the Mountaineers. It is an excellent book and I really recommend reading this and taking it along so that you can get a picture of what it was like once. I took my mother there on Mother's Day 1995. It was a glorious, sunny day and the surrounding mountains were just supreme. Walk the old Monte Cristo road one mile to a bridge crossing of the Sauk River. The next three miles more or less parallel the river, passing some nice campsites. After passing some private homes, a junction is reached. The left is the Glacier Basin trailhead. The right crosses the Sauk and curves upstream into the old townsite. Just before you get into the open area with the buildings, note a trail going off to the right. This goes to the Twin Lakes and Silver Lake. I have never done this trail but will try to do it this summer. From the open area, follow the old road into the woods to another junction. Take both to explore the whole townsite. We spent hours up here exploring. Here's a shot of the Concentrator site (41.4 KB). An interesting fact is that not one ounce of ore was ever processed! (Woodhouse, page 259). The left photograph is of the old Peabody Garage (24.7 KB). I'll leave the rest for you to discover.
How to get there:
Take Highway 92 to Barlow Pass and the large trailhead parking area (19.5 miles from Verlot).
Goat Lake
Length (RT): 10.0 mi Diff. Level: moderate Elev. Gain: 1280 ft Season: June-October
This is one of my favorites. Goat Lake (32.7 KB) offers nice shoreline lunch/fishing spots and tremendous views of Cadet Peak glaciers that drain into the lake. Folks interested in old mining relics will like this one as well. Initially, the way begins on an old logging road. After making one large switchback, the way heads more or less straight along Elliot Creek. Look for nice waterfalls along the way. At 3.5 miles, the road is left behind. Here, the terrain shifts from second-growth and alders to virgin forest. The trail is actually an old wagon road used by miners in the past. At 4.0 miles, Henry M. Jackson Wilderness is reached and is marked by a sign. The old wagon road diverges from the trail and crosses the creek to an old mining settlement. The road eventually recrosses the stream and meets the trail at around the 4.5 mile mark.
In another half mile, the way leaves the old wagon road route and begins switchbacking moderately to Goat Lake. Finally, the trail levels along the roaring falls of Elliot Creek and curves towards the lake on an old railroad track to the outlet. After going through an open area, the way enters forest and the first of the good spots for lunching at the lake appears. Note, camping is not allowed along the lake. Designated camping sites are located via a short spur trail leading up from the lake (marked by a sign). Apparently, the camps are located by the site of an old hotel.
How to get there:
Take Highway 92 19.5 miles to Barlow Pass. Keep left on miserably rutted, potholed gravel road, for about four miles to the Elliot Creek road (4080) and turn right. Drive one mile to the road end and trailhead parking area. Parking can be competitive on the weekends or holidays!
Mount Pilchuck
Length (RT): 7.0 mi Diff. Level: mod/stren Elev. Gain: 2200 ft Season: June-November
This is a great hike for panoramic views. In the past, the trail was rough and sometimes hard to follow. It is now a much nicer trail thanks to trail maintenance crews. There is still some work left to be completed and if the schedule is like last year (1997), it will be closed from Monday to Thursdays (summer and fall). Please check with the Verlot Public Service Center which is just a short mile from the Mt. Pilchuck road. Initially, you will cross a tiny creek and wind up through old-growth forest to the edge of an large clearcut. The way then leaves forest, entering a rocky area that provides a nice view. The trail re-enters forest for a bit before entering an area of old, abandoned ski slopes. After traversing this region, you will wind up around the base of Little Pilchuck and re-enter woods briefly before entering another rocky area. From here on, it's basically a long traverse up the south flanks of Pilchuck. Near the end, you'll wind up a bit more to the summit and lookout tower (37.0 KB). The views are just incredible up here!
How to get there:
Take Highway 92 to the bridge just past Verlot and turn right on Mt. Pilchuck road. Go up this miserably washboarded, potholed road to its end and Mount Pilchuck Trailhed. Warning: there is a major dip in the road just before the trailhead. The traffic on this narrow road can be heavy so please drive carefully!
Cutthroat Lakes (via Walt Bailey's Trail)
Length (RT): 7.5 mi Diff. Level: moderate Elev. Gain: 1100 ft Season: June-October
How about a hike up to a beautiful parkland, located just below summit of Bald Mountain, that's full of blueberries and lovely tarns? Initially, the trail climbs up into old-growth forest. After a few switchbacks, the way levels into a mixture of woods and meadows. At 1.6 miles, a large meadow is reached. There is a nice campsite right by the trail. Great spot for berry picking. Keep on the trail and in just a bit, cross a small stream and enter trees again. The way drops down into an open, rocky meadow and then winds back up into the woods to a bench. After crossing this fairly open area, you'll switchback up into forest.
Finally, at about 3 miles, the trail climbs an impressive set of steps into the Cutthroat Lakes basin. I must say that Walt Bailey and others have done a great job in improving this trail! You'll pass few small tarns and soon climb to a viewpoint of lower Cutthroat Lake. Look for spur trails leading down to it. If staying on main trail, the way goes around the lake and reaches upper Cutthroat Lake which is distinguished by a small rock island with a tree (3.4 miles). Climb back up and take a short spur to a nice viewpoint of the lower lake (29.8 KB). Go back on the main trail and pass the spur to the outhouse and drop down to a great campsite on a point jutting out into the upper lake (24.1 KB). There are other nice campsites throughout this area and they have established fire pits. I noted some trout rising as well. Explore the meadows around the lakes or continue on up to the Bald Mountain Trail junction (4.0 miles) and hike that trail to the Ashland Lakes (one-way 15-mile hike) or explore area around summit of Bald Mountain.
Note: expect lots of black bears in this region. After lunch, as I exploring the meadows by the lakes, I ran into a large bruin just 75 yards away...looking at me. Fortunately, it was not surprised by me and was more interested in blueberries! I just retraced my steps when it looked away and everything was fine. I've been hiking for a long time and this was my first encounter. I feel privileged to have seen a bear in its own backyard. Backpackers will definitely want to bring special bear-proof food containers or hang food high if possible.
How to get there:
Take Highway 92 7.5 miles past Verlot Public Service Center and turn right on road 4030. It's just before a bridge crossing of the S. Fork Stillaguamish River. Take this narrow, paved road 1.3 miles and turn right on unpaved road 4032 and drive 5.7 miles to its end on Mallardy Ridge and Walt Bailey's Trail. Note: there is not really a trailhead parking area. The road is very narrow and it is best to park about a tenth of a mile away from the end. Carpool if you can! Please do not park at the very end of the road so cars can turn around.
Please contact evergreenhiker17@yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments.
This page was last updated on 8/9/2004.
© John J. Maher IV