Sculpture Rock

Sculpture Rock is a quick horseshoe loop from the Swauk Campground off Highway 97, about five miles south of Blewett Pass. The trail crosses Swauk Creek on a small bridge, then climbs steadily through old-growth ponderosa pine and Douglas fir to a distinctive sandstone formation. The tombstone-shaped rock towers above the trail, carved by wind and water into smooth, sculptural shapes typical of the Swauk Formation sandstone found throughout this area.

A short spur path near the top of the rock formation gives a closer look, though scrambling to the summit is not advised. The loop returns through the campground, passing more scattered sandstone outcrops along the way. The whole outing takes well under an hour, making it an ideal leg-stretcher for anyone driving Highway 97.

Note that when Swauk Campground is gated closed (common outside summer), the walk from the highway gate adds about a flat mile each way to the total distance.