Pear Lake via Meadow Creek
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
Long, quiet valley approach through old growth to a backcountry lake on the PCT.
About This Trail
The Meadow Creek Trail follows the creek valley north from Beckler River Road into the Wild Sky and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness areas, climbing gently through old-growth forest for 8+ miles to reach Pear Lake at 4,809 feet. The route passes Fortune Ponds before topping out at Frozen Finger Gap (5,220 feet), where the trail connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. The forest here is dense, mossy, and relatively undisturbed, with waterfalls along the creek and wildflower meadows opening up near the lake.
Pear Lake makes a superb overnight destination. Two established campsites with toilet facilities sit along the north and south shores, and the lake itself has sandy beaches and rainbow trout. The long approach (16.5 miles roundtrip, 3,375 feet gain) keeps crowds thin even on summer weekends. Most hikers treat this as a two-day trip, though strong hikers can day-hike it.
The access road off Beckler Road (FR 6530) has large potholes but is passable for most vehicles if taken slowly. Snow lingers at the lake until early July in most years. Bugs can be fierce mid-summer. The trailhead has no restroom and limited parking.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Access road has large potholes but is passable at slow speed. Trail is in good shape through the valley. Mud reported on the approach in late season.
“Bring your bicycle, as Rapid River Road is washed out 2 miles from the trailhead.”
Last report: Jun 20, 2026
Scorecard
Very few visitors even on summer weekends. Trailhead often has just a handful of cars.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Road to trailhead has large potholes
- Creek crossings may be challenging in early season
Getting There
Small trailhead lot off FR 6530. No restroom. Drive slowly on potholed access road.
From Highway 2 near Skykomish (west of milepost 50), turn north onto Beckler Road (FR 65) for 6 miles, then right onto Rapid River Road (FS Road 6530) for 4.5 miles to the trailhead.
Recent Reports
Bring your bicycle, as Rapid River Road is washed out 2 miles from the trailhead. Not only has the edge caved away but the run-off causing it carved a gaping channel across the road itself.
The road to the Meadow Creek trailhead after you turn off Beckler Road has some enormous potholes, but caused no issue when taken slowly. There is no restroom at the trailhead.
It had been way too long since I had been out on Meadow Creek Trail to Pear Lake so I took a few days this past weekend to remedy that situation! I had hoped to camp at Pear Lake and day hike along the PCT but between the warm temps, smoky skies and berries I was not as aggressive a hiker as I had hoped.
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