North Fork Bridge Creek
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
Alpine meadows at the foot of Mount Logan, reached via the PCT through North Cascades backcountry.
About This Trail
North Fork Bridge Creek leads into the heart of North Cascades National Park, ending in alpine meadows beneath the massive south face of Mount Logan. The 6.5-mile one-way trail follows the eastern bank of the north fork, passing established camps at Walker Park (2 miles) and Grizzly Creek (4 miles) before climbing sharply in the final two miles to meadows at 4,100 feet. Most of the elevation gain comes in that last push, where the valley opens up with wildflowers, waterfalls, and direct views of Logan's glaciated walls.
Access requires commitment regardless of direction. From Highway 20 near Rainy Pass, hikers walk about 10 miles south on the Pacific Crest Trail before turning onto the North Fork trail. From Stehekin, it is a 3-mile approach on the Bridge Creek Trail. Either way, this is a multi-day trip. The PCT approach is more commonly used and well-maintained, though it carries moderate foot traffic during thru-hiker season.
Backcountry camping permits are required and cost $10 per person plus a $6 reservation fee, obtained from the Marblemount Wilderness Information Center. The North Fork group camp at the trail's end is reported in excellent condition. Dogs are not allowed in North Cascades National Park.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“PCT is, as always, a well-maintained, nicely graded trail with a decent amount of traffic punctuated by periods of solitude.”
Last report: Jul 25, 2025
Scorecard
The PCT approach sees moderate traffic from thru-hikers in summer. The North Fork trail itself is much quieter. Walker Park and Grizzly Creek camps may be occupied on summer weekends.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Most elevation gain concentrated in final 2 miles on steep terrain
- Backcountry permit required -- plan ahead for summer weekends
Getting There
Northwest Forest Pass required at the Bridge Creek trailhead on Highway 20 near Rainy Pass. Adequate parking.
Most common approach: Bridge Creek trailhead on Highway 20 near Rainy Pass, then south on the PCT about 10 miles to the North Fork junction. Alternative: ferry to Stehekin, then 3 miles on Bridge Creek Trail. Either way, plan for a multi-day trip. Backcountry permit from Marblemount Wilderness Information Center ($10/person + $6 reservation).
Start early from Rainy Pass to cover the 10 PCT miles and still have daylight for camp setup. The PCT section is well-graded but long.
Recent Reports
My group did a 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip from the Bridge Creek trailhead to the North Fork group camp, where we camped both nights. Both the trail and campsite were in excellent condition.
I did a 3-day out-and-back hike, from Bridge Creek TH to North Fork Camp along the PCT and a day hike down the North Fork Bridge Creek trail on the layover day. PCT is, as always, a well-maintained, nicely graded trail with a decent amount of traffic punctuated by periods of solitude.
This was the first time back to North Fork Bridge Creek in thirty one years. The trip starts on the PCT south near Rainy Pass and heads gradually down for about nine miles.
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