Deception Creek Cutoff

Getting There

From Skykomish, go east on Highway 2. You'll soon pass the Skykomish Ranger station on the left, then continue for 0.5 mile, and turn right onto the Foss River Road, Forest Road (FR) 68. The road is paved for a while, then transitions to dirt/gravel. About 2.5 miles from the highway, you'll cross under a railroad trestle. One mile later, take the left fork for FR 6830. (The right fork continues on FR 68 to the Necklace Valley trailhead.)

FR 6830 winds up through the trees away from the Foss River towards Tonga Ridge. While it has its share of potholes, it's currently well maintained. Less than seven miles, continue straight on FR 6830 (don't turn onto FR 310 towards the Tonga Ridge trailhead). Get comfortable and stay on FR 6830 for another 18 miles as it winds around Mt. Sawyer.

The trailhead has a forest service signboard labeled "Deception Ck.C.O." Park to the side without blocking the road. The road ends several hundred feet past the trailhead, with slight room to turn around. (Some maps show the road continuing, but the bridge is out past the embankment at the end of the road.) You can also access Tonga Ridge Trail (1058) across the road.

Use the forest service kiosk near the trailhead to issue your party a free wilderness permit, for both day and multi-day trips.

There are no other services at this trailhead.

You're most likely to be able to access this trailhead during the summer and fall months, otherwise it will be snowed in.

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