Upper Roaring Creek

Upper Roaring Creek trail connects Lake Julius and Lake Ethel along a scenic ridgeline in the Stevens Pass backcountry, covering 5 miles round trip with 1,433 feet of gain to a high point of 6,022 feet. The ridge walk delivers expansive views of Glacier Peak, Clark Mountain, and the Chiwawa range. Alpine meadows line the crest with wildflowers in late July.

Two approach options exist, and neither is straightforward. The Lake Ethel Trail climbs steeply through private logging land for 5 miles with little shade and no water. The Lake Julius approach requires staying at Scottish High Camp, which provides a shuttle to the trailhead. Both routes reach the ridgeline where the best walking begins.

Lake Ethel and the surrounding basin offer good camping with side trips to Loch Eileen, Lake Donald, and the high meadows above. The lakes hold decent-sized trout. Trip reports note periodic trail closures and reroutes through logging road areas, so check conditions before heading out. Campfires are prohibited above 5,000 feet.