Pass Creek
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
Old-growth forest, cedar boardwalks, and a quiet gateway to the PCT with barely 1,000 feet of climbing.
About This Trail
Pass Creek is a low-elevation forest walk along the North Fork Skykomish drainage, and it punches well above its weight for a trail with only 1,000 feet of gain. The route begins on a decommissioned road, narrows into proper trail, and enters the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness through some of the best old-growth forest on the west side of the Cascades. Cedar and fir tower overhead, and the understory is lush year-round.
The highlight is a long wooden boardwalk built by the Youth Conservation Corps that crosses a spectacular meadow wetland. Cedar-planked bridges carry you over side creeks. The whole corridor feels like a world apart, quiet and deeply green even when west-side trails closer to the highway are packed.
Pass Creek connects to the PCT, making it a popular launching point for multi-day loops. A well-known 16.7-mile circuit links Pass Creek with the PCT and West Cady Ridge, returning via FS Road 63. Backpackers also use this trail to access Lake Sally Ann and the Dishpan Gap area. Water crossings can run high during snowmelt season, particularly at the North Fork Skykomish ford and where Pass Creek meets the trail.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Stream crossings can be hazardous during early-season snowmelt
- Beckler River Road (FR 65) periodically closed due to flood damage - check before driving
- Road to trailhead is rough with potholes but passable for most vehicles
Getting There
Trailhead at the end of FS Road 63, reached via Beckler River Road (FR 65) from Skykomish. The road has potholes but is passable in a sedan with care. Check current status of FR 65 before heading out, as flood damage has closed it in the past.
From Skykomish, take Highway 2 east 0.8 miles, then turn north on Beckler Road 65. Follow it roughly 15 miles, then turn right on FS Road 63 for 4.2 miles to the trailhead. The trail starts wide on old roadbed, narrows into singletrack, and enters the Jackson Wilderness within the first couple miles.
No urgency on timing. The forest canopy keeps the trail cool through the day. For the PCT loop, start early to allow time for the full 16-17 mile circuit.
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