Kelley Creek
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
An unmaintained access route for scramblers and off-trail explorers heading toward Scorpion Mountain and Captain Point.
About This Trail
Kelley Creek Trail is an old, unmaintained route near Stevens Pass that once provided access to Scorpion Mountain. The original trailhead has no parking and the trail has not seen maintenance in years. WTA now recommends starting from the Iron Goat trailhead off Highway 2 instead, where a connector trail provides roughly 6 miles round trip with 1,100 feet of gain to reach Scorpion Mountain's summit meadows.
Trip reports reveal that Kelley Creek functions less as a trail and more as a starting point for off-trail exploration. Hikers have used it to access Captain Point via ridge-scrambling, and to explore the Martin Creek drainage and remnants of the historic Horseshoe Tunnel from the old Great Northern Railway. The terrain above the creek is steep, requires routefinding skills, and holds snow well into spring.
This is a route for experienced scramblers and off-trail explorers comfortable with bushwhacking, steep terrain, and self-navigation. The meadows and ridgelines above Kelley Creek offer expansive views, but getting there demands persistence.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
July 2025 reports describe the meadows and Scorpion Mountain summit views as excellent via the Iron Goat approach. The Kelley Creek route itself is unmaintained and requires bushwhacking. A 2024 report notes very little remains of the historic Horseshoe Tunnel.
“OMG, the views from the meadows and the top of Scorpion mountain were amazing!”
Last report: Jul 14, 2025
Scorecard
Extremely quiet. Most people use the Iron Goat trailhead instead. You may not see anyone else all day.
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- No maintained trail: routefinding required throughout
- No parking at original trailhead
- Steep terrain with potential for loose rock on ridgeline approaches
- Snow holds late on north-facing slopes above the creek
Getting There
Park at the Iron Goat trailhead lot off Highway 2 near Stevens Pass. The original Kelley Creek trailhead has no parking. Follow the Martin Creek connector to access the Kelley Creek drainage.
Recent Reports
OMG!!!!! OMG, the views from the meadows and the top of Scorpion mountain were amazing!
Seeking a trail away from the crowds, we opted to hike Kelley Creek starting from the Martin Creek Trailhead. We parked in the shared lot for the Iron Goat Trail.
Took off from the Martin Creek TH down the unnamed (by USFS standards) trail that follows Martin Creek towards its confluence with Kelley Creek. I was hoping to find evidence of the "Horseshoe Tunnel" to do a bit of research for a possible Hiking Guide entry, but was disappointed to find that there is very little no evidence of the tunnel left.
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