Tunnel Creek
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
A steep, short climb to Hope Lake and the PCT, with alpine lake-hopping options beyond.
About This Trail
Tunnel Creek packs a serious amount of elevation into a short distance: 1,300 feet in 1.6 miles. The trail climbs steeply through cool, green forest before arriving at Hope Lake, a small alpine lake just off the Pacific Crest Trail. Continuing another half mile reaches Mig Lake with flat camping areas. From either lake, the PCT connects north to Swimming Deer, Susan Jane, and Lake Josephine, opening up a full day of lake-hopping.
The trail works well as either a quick out-and-back to Hope Lake or as the starting point for a longer PCT traverse. Through-hikers often pair it with Surprise Creek for a point-to-point route. WTA volunteer crews keep the tread in good condition despite the steep grade.
The access road (FSR 6095 to FSR 115) is short but rough, with deep ruts and steep pitches that challenge low-clearance vehicles. The turnoff from Highway 2 is eastbound-only, which catches some people off guard. No restrooms at the trailhead. The parking area is small and can fill on summer weekends, though the trail itself stays surprisingly quiet once you start climbing.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“As part of my Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) trail steward duties, I explored up the Tunnel Creek road and trail to see if I could even get to my PCT section yet, in this low-snow year.”
Last report: May 27, 2026
Scorecard
Small parking area fills on summer weekends. The trail itself is less crowded than the Surprise Creek approach to the same lakes.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- Rough access road with deep ruts
- Steep grade can be slippery when wet
- Trailhead turnoff from Highway 2 is eastbound-only
Getting There
High-clearance vehicle recommended
Small trailhead lot. No fee. Can fill on summer weekends. Wilderness permits self-issue at trailhead (sometimes out of blank forms, so bring scratch paper).
From Highway 2 east of Skykomish, turn right onto FSR 6095 immediately after the Tunnel Creek bridge (eastbound lane only). At 1.2 miles turn left steeply upward on FSR 115. Trailhead at 1.3 miles.
Arrive early on summer weekends for parking. The eastbound-only turnoff from Highway 2 means you may need to overshoot and turn around at Stevens Pass if coming from the west.
Recent Reports
As part of my Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) trail steward duties, I explored up the Tunnel Creek road and trail to see if I could even get to my PCT section yet, in this low-snow year. This short road and short & steep trail are important for PCT trail maintenance because it's the shortest feeder route to the PCT in the section south of Stevens Pass.
Today I did a through hike from the Tunnel creek TH to the Surprise Creek TH with The Mountaineers. We parked cars at both trailheads and started hiking at 8:45 am from the Tunnel Creek TH.
After spending a week with relatives, I wanted to go out on the hike to the high country before the fall rains reduce the views. The tunnel Creek trail is one of the last approach trails to the PCT from the south before Stevens Pass.
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