West Cady Ridge to Benchmark Mountain
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
Miles of open ridge walking through alpine meadows to a 5,816-foot summit with views of Glacier Peak and the full Cascade crest.
About This Trail
West Cady Ridge delivers one of the best ridge walks in the Central Cascades, and Benchmark Mountain is the prize at the end. The first two miles climb steadily through old-growth forest inside the Wild Sky Wilderness. Around mile 3.8, the trees thin and you step onto the ridge crest at about 4,750 feet. From here, the character of the hike changes completely. The trail traces the spine of the ridge through alpine meadows, huckleberry fields, and open parkland with views in every direction.
The ridge walking continues for nearly two miles before crossing into the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness at 5,375 feet. A final push through mountain hemlock groves and meadow benches leads to the 5,816-foot summit. On clear days, the panorama includes Glacier Peak, the Monte Cristo peaks, and the full sweep of the Cascade crest. Fall brings exceptional color: red meadow foliage, golden larches, and ripe huckleberries along the upper ridge.
This is a long day at 14.4 miles round trip, but the grade stays moderate throughout. The trail never gets brutally steep, which makes the mileage feel manageable. Backpackers can extend the trip by continuing north on the PCT toward Dishpan Gap or dropping down Pass Creek to create a loop. The access road (FR 63) is rough but passable in a standard car with patience.
Mountain Weather
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“The West Cady Ridge trail is an excellent trail, as the grade is never that steep, and the views really start opening up once you get out in the open above 4500ft.”
Last report: Oct 9, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Fully exposed ridge in weather
- Long distance from trailhead with no bailout options on the ridge
- Bears reported in huckleberry season
Getting There
Quartz Creek trailhead at the end of FR 63. Camping and a restroom at the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required. The road is rough with potholes and rocks but passable in a sedan if you take it slow. Note: Beckler River Road (FR 65) has been closed due to flood damage. Check current road status before planning.
From Skykomish, head east on US 2 and turn left onto Beckler River Road. Continue approximately 15 miles, then turn right onto FR 63 and drive 5 miles to road's end. Alternatively, approach via Index-Galena Road. The trail begins climbing immediately through old-growth forest. At mile 3.8 on the ridge crest, you have a natural turnaround point if the weather turns or legs are tired.
An early start is smart for this one. The long approach through forest is best done in morning shade, and you want to be on the ridge before afternoon clouds build. Budget 7 to 9 hours for the full round trip.
Recent Reports
Turned out to be a great fall day, as Glen99 and I got up to the summit of Benchmark Mountain. The West Cady Ridge trail is an excellent trail, as the grade is never that steep, and the views really start opening up once you get out in the open above 4500ft.
Hit the jackpot with Kidz Won't Hike today with Bench Mark Mountain, which was unexpectedly fantastic! Exploding with vibrant fall colors, amazing views!
We dusted off our gear for our first backpacking trip in three years, and this was a great route to get back into it. The road to the trailhead was fine in a Subaru, but could definitely be done even in a sedan with a little patience.
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