Blue Creek

Blue Creek

Central CascadesBest May–Oct

A quiet creekside climb through old growth to the Teanaway Ridge and Red Top Lookout.

4 miDistance
1,699ftElevation
5,361ftHigh Point
Out & BackRoute
12h+Drive
moderateCrowds
Good in rainPatchy SnowCrowded

About This Trail

Blue Creek Trail climbs from Highway 97 near Blewett Pass through old-growth forest along Blue Creek, then ascends to the Teanaway Ridge at 5,360 feet. The trail connects to Red Top Lookout, making it an alternative approach to that popular destination. Hikers report reaching Red Top without seeing another person until the lookout itself.

The lower trail follows Blue Creek through mixed conifer forest with wildflowers in the understory. The upper section breaks out of the trees onto open ridge with views across the Teanaway and toward the Stuart Range. The trail gains 1,700 feet over 2 miles from the Blue Creek trailhead. In winter, this route serves as a snowshoe approach to the Teanaway Ridge and Red Top area, though patchy snow can make for difficult postholing.

Parking is a small pullout off Highway 97 with room for 5 to 6 vehicles. No pass required. The trail is lightly maintained and sees very little traffic, making it one of the quieter approaches to the Teanaway Ridge crest.

Seasonal Highlights

FebWinter snowshoe to Teanaway Ridge, variable snow conditions
JunWildflowers along the creek and on the upper ridge

Astronomy

MoonWaning Gibbous (70%)
Stargazingexcellent

Trail Conditions

SnowReported on trail
I reached the lookout via the blue creek road/blue creek trail TL:DR the snow conditions are really abysmal.

Last report: Feb 5, 2026

Scorecard

moderateBeautyOld-growth forest giving way to open ridge views of the Teanaway and Stuart Range.
Type 1.3Fun
2.5/5Difficulty
3.5/5Wildness
2/5Exposure
3/5Reward
2.5/5Effort
emptyCrowdsPeak: quiet

Very lightly used. Most hikers access Red Top from the road. Blue Creek approach provides solitude almost guaranteed.

Safety & Considerations

Today's Hazard

  • Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended

Getting There

Google MapsApple Maps
Parking

Small pullout off Highway 97 near Blewett Pass. Room for 5-6 vehicles.

Recent Reports

Wandering WashingtonFeb 5, 2026

I reached the lookout via the blue creek road/blue creek trail TL:DR the snow conditions are really abysmal. Patchy and postholing hell.

AAu12Aug 31, 2025

Wonderful hike. didn't see a single person till I got to Red Top.

dude509Aug 30, 2025

Very enjoyable hike. Lots of solitude and peace.

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