Sultan River Canyon Trail
Central CascadesBest Year-round
Descend through mossy old forest to a canyon river, then earn it all back on the climb out.
About This Trail
This one works backwards. You start high, drop through shaded switchbacks, and end at the river. The trail descends about a mile through moss-draped hemlock and western redcedar, with nicely graded tread that makes the return climb feel manageable rather than punishing. A waterfall appears partway down during periods of good runoff, cascading several hundred feet down a rocky face.
The hike begins with a mile of gravel road walking that gains about 200 feet before the actual trail starts its descent. That last half mile loses another 200 feet to reach the Sultan River, which runs with a distinctive greenish cast through the canyon. The river section sits outside the watershed, so swimming and wading are fair game on warm days.
One thing worth knowing: the Sultan River is a power project river, and water releases can cause sudden surges without warning. Respect the water and keep an eye on levels, especially if kids or dogs are along. The whole area is managed by Snohomish County PUD, and there is no pass required at the Gateway Trailhead. Registration at the Olney Pass kiosk is free but mandatory.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Arrived at the parking lot by 9:30 am and there were 3 other cars.”
Last report: May 23, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Washed Out
Persistent Hazards
- Sudden river surges from power project water releases without warning
- Downed trees across trail reported periodically
Getting There
Park inside the gated area at Gateway Trailhead. Room for 25 to 30 vehicles. Free registration required at the Olney Pass kiosk on the drive in.
From the bridge over the Skykomish River in Sultan, drive 1.1 miles to the first traffic signal and turn left onto Sultan Basin Road. Follow it 13.2 miles on mixed pavement and gravel to the Olney Pass kiosk, then continue 1.5 miles to the trailhead. Road is sometimes gated seasonally.
Flexible timing. The trail is shaded throughout, so even midday starts work fine in summer. Dawn-to-dusk access preferred.
Recent Reports
Quiet and peaceful hike! Arrived at the parking lot by 9:30 am and there were 3 other cars.
Road is in excellent condition no obstacles. The trail itself is in fairly good condition with only a few obstacles - theres one good sized blow down near the end of the trail along with a washout of a portion of the trail but both obstacles are easily navigated.
We did this hike when the road to another hike was unexpectedly closed. We decided to park and try to do any hike we could find.
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