Foam Creek Basin

Short and sweet, this climber’s access trail is easily followed through flower draped sub-alpine meadows and across steep drainages. Dramatic mountain views, and exposure to seriously rugged terrain will be your reward.

Foam Creek is a tiny tributary at the very head of the White River, eventually feeding into Lake Wenatchee. Found deep within the Glacier Peak Wilderness, you will not easily gain access to this short (one-and-one-half-mile) trail. Perhaps the shortest route to its beginning at White Pass is via the North Fork Sauk Trail and then south on the Pacific Crest Trail. This roughly nine-mile approach will surely whet your appetite, but is also physically taxing. Camping and water is available at the pass.

Turn eastward onto the signed Foam Creek trail just as the Pacific Crest Trail turns left to skirt the south face of White Peak. This short trail generally runs north and then east for a mile-and-one-half, contouring along a mostly treeless slope. Though south facing, gullies along this trail hold snow late into August in most years. Amazing flower shows of monkey flower, alpine willowherb, penstemon, and so many others will thrill even the most curmudgeonly.

With little more than 400 feet of gain, this trail can make for a great evening or early morning stroll from the White Pass camping area. The trail eventually gets more serious, dropping down then ascending steeply on its way to the White Chuck Glacier and eventually Glacier Peak.

This more difficult section is not required for great views of Glacier, nor the tremendous flower show. Most folks will be content with a ridgeline at 6500 feet before any difficulties begin.