The N. Fork Skykomish is a hiker’s dream. From a single parking lot, three separate trails vanish into the Cascades. One rolls gently through old growth and over streams. Another climbs to a ridge with some of the best views anywhere in the Cascades. A third provides a comfortable family hike.
Hikers and backpackers can choose their own adventure on these trails, which provide a multitude of options for loop trips, some as short as 16 miles and others longer than 30.
Best of all, these trails are usually uncrowded, with plenty of room to enjoy the solitude — the trails begin in the Wild Sky Wilderness and then enter the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. They also provide an alternative to Blanca Lake, which is just a few minutes down the road and is suffering from overuse.
West Cady Ridge
West Cady Ridge is the most demanding of the trails, if taken on its own. It can be hiked as a long day hike or an overnight trip. For the best views, hike to Benchmark Mountain, which is a 14.4-mile roundtrip with 3,700 feet of elevation gain. The trail, though, is relatively gentle and the miles feel shorter than that.
The trail begins easy, with a flat stroll through the forest and over the N. Fork Skykomish River. The well-built bridge provides an excellent vantage into a deep green pool. The trail begins to climb after the river and soon begins switchbacking. After several miles, the trees begin to thin and the trail comes out on the ridge, with wide views. In the early summer, the wildflowers are prolific. In the late summer, huckleberries are everywhere. And in the early fall, the huckleberries leaves turn red and seem to glow from within.
Once on the ridge, most of the hard work is over. The trail rolls up and down, offering views of Glacier Peak to the north and Mount Rainier to the south. Several excellent picnic spots and campgrounds would make a fine turnaround for a shorter trip. Continuing on, the trail drops briefly before climbing again. Benchmark Mountain comes into view and a short side trail to the left leads to its summit.
From the summit on a clear day, Glacier Peak is the star, rising high above the surrounding hills. Mount Baker and Mount Rainier are also visible, along with many other peaks. Visitors can sign the trail register at the top, and look back to see who else has visited.
A few nice camping spots are nearby. Water can be scarce, however.
Past the short spur to Benchmark Mountain, the trail continues east until joining up with the Pacific Crest Trail. Heading north on the PCT gives hikers the options of joining up with several trails that lead back to the trailhead where you started.
N. Fork Skykomish River
The N. Fork of the Skykomish River Trail can be an easy jaunt or the start of an epic backpacking trip. The trail wanders past huge trees, and peculiar fungi dot fallen logs and the forest floor. The rich, slightly overwhelming scent of a true northwest forest hangs in the air.
The lower section of the trail rolls gently, but is never too steep. A few miles in, the trail splits. The right fork heads toward Pass Creek and eventually climbs to the PCT just south of Cady Pass. The left fork also heads to the PCT and meets it at Dishpan Gap, 9 miles from the trailhead.
“Both of those are really great for a backpack trip,” said Kevin Green, lead wilderness ranger for the Skykomish Ranger District.
For a day trip, follow either trail through deep-rich forests and stop for lunch near one of the creeks before turning around. For a longer trip, prepare for the climb to the PCT. From the PCT, hikers can hook up with Quart Creek Trail or head south to join up with the West Cady Ridge Trail.
Quartz Creek
Quartz Creek Trail is mostly used by backpackers, Green said, but it can also make a good day hike.
The trail meanders along Quartz Creek through healthy, beautiful forest. Lots of side creeks come across the trail. The trail is a nice family hike, with interesting mushrooms and big trees.
Green is fond of a waterfall along the trail that he calls the “Hawaii” pool, because of the bright blue waters under the falls. The trail climbs to Curry Gap, where there is a campsite in a big meadow.
“It’s a walk in the woods, but very beautiful woods. It’s one of my favorites actually,” Green said.
Curry Gap has a campsite and would be a good easy backpack for kids. Beginning around Curry Gap, the trail can be brushy. Hikers can head east on The Bald Eagle Mountain Trail (No. 650). It passes by Little Blue Lake and Blue Lake before joining the PCT at Dishpan Gap. For a loop, hikers could head back on the N. Fork Skykomish Trail from there, or continue south on the PCT to join up with the Pass Creek Trail or West Cady Ridge Trail.
If you go
Head east on U.S. 2. Just past the town of Skykomish, turn left on Beckler River Road. After 15 miles, turn right on to Forest Road 63 and drive to the end of the road. The road is mostly dirt, but in decent condition. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking. Register at the trailhead before your hike. No permits are required for hiking or backpacking in this area.
Maps: Monte Cristo and Benchmark Mountain, Green Trails.
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