Etienne Creek
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A remote creek drainage connecting to the greater Teanaway loop system, currently closed due to fire damage.
About This Trail
Etienne Creek follows its namesake drainage through a steep, forested canyon in the Blewett Pass area. The route connects to the Falls Creek Trail and serves as a key link in multi-day loops through the Teanaway backcountry. Hikers who have worked this trail describe the canyon as genuinely beautiful, with old forest and creek scenery that rewards the effort of getting there.
Access requires a 4-mile road walk or bike ride on gated Shaser Road (FR 7322) before the actual trail begins. From there, the hiking portion covers about 4 miles round trip, gaining 1,400 feet to a high point around 6,100 feet with views toward Table Mountain. Like its neighbors Cascade Creek and Hardscrabble Creek, this trail demands solid navigation skills. Map, compass, and GPS are non-negotiable.
This trail is currently closed due to damage from the Labor Mountain Fire. Check with the Cle Elum Ranger District for reopening status before planning a trip. When open, it sees very light use and provides deep solitude in a part of the Central Cascades that most hikers never visit.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Clockwise loop from Ingalls Creek trailhead -> Etienne Creek -> Cascade Creek -> Ingalls.”
Last report: Aug 9, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazards
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
- Trees Down
Persistent Hazards
- trail closed due to Labor Mountain Fire
- route-finding required on unmaintained trail
- blowdowns reported
- 4-mile road walk required to reach trailhead
Getting There
No parking pass required. Park at the gate on Shaser Creek Road with consideration for other vehicles. No formal parking area.
Access via gated Shaser Creek Road (FR 7322), reached by turning off Scotty Creek Road (FR 7324) from Highway 97. The 4-mile road walk to the trailhead can be biked. Trail #1210 then climbs the Etienne Creek drainage. Navigation tools required throughout.
Account for the 4-mile road approach when planning your start time. The road walk adds roughly 1.5 hours each way on foot.
Recent Reports
Clockwise loop from Ingalls Creek trailhead -> Etienne Creek -> Cascade Creek -> Ingalls. As others have noted, map+compass+GPS are an absolute must for Etienne and Cascade.
We walked up the road for 2. 5 miles.
Trip Summary Day 1: Ingalls Creek to Longs Pass (up & over) to Esmerelda TH Day 2: Esmerelda TH to Iron Peak (via Iron Peak Trail) to Volcanic Neck via Beverly Turnpike Trail, Fourth Creek Trail, and Hardscrabble Trail to Wrong Turn Peak and Navaho Pass & Peak via Old County Line Trail, then down to Etienne Creek Trail Day 3: Etienne Creek Trail to Ingalls Creek TH TL;DR If you do this loop, prepare for a wild ride and epic adventure. The blowdowns and overgrowth will seem like nothing after th
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