Enter the Wild Sky Wilderness a short distance from the trailhead and begin switchbacking up. You'll climb 800 feet in the first mile through an area burned by wildfire in 1967.
The grade then eases as you gradually climb up the Meadow Creek valley through old-growth forest more than 500 years in the making. The trail carries you out of the Wild Sky Wilderness and into Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. Along the way, cross and re-cross Meadow Creek.
At about 4.5 miles, a boggy meadow full of queen's cup and shooting stars in the early summertime is reached. Shortly after the meadow, find yourself in 4000 foot high Fortune Pass. The trail turns east and steeply climbs about 400 feet out of the valley as a thick forest of western hemlock yields to thinning stands of subalpine fir and mountain hemlock.
Enjoy the grade again as it eases over the final mile through huckleberry patches and heather slopes to your camping destination at Lower Fortune Pond, a peaceful lake fed by a waterfall.
Once camp is pitched, you've got plenty of opportunities to explore the area. Try scrambling Fortune Peak -- but don't push yourself beyond your comfort zone! Alternatively, continue on trail over a 5,200 foot pass and down to peachy Pear Lake, or simply contemplate your good fortune while sitting lakeside surrounded by pure mountain beauty.
WTA Pro-Tip: Make a full weekend of visiting the Wild Sky Wilderness by camping at the Beckler River Campground which is noted for its peaceful atmosphere. 27 sites including multi-family and wheelchair access.
River access is available while site privacy is provided courtesy of vine maples and shrubs. The campground is a good jump-off point for recreational activities in the North Fork Skykomish, Beckler River and West Fork Foss River areas. Campsite reservations may be made through www.recreation.gov.
Fortune Ponds
47.8230,
-121.2053
Map & Directions
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Length
- 13.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,700 feet
Not traveled by the masses, the Meadow Creek trail provides plenty of solitude as you gently climb through old burn and old growth to heather slopes, blueberry patches, and snow-fed lakes near the Cascade Crest.
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Hiking Fortune Ponds
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
Northwest Forest PassWTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
Getting There
From Everett drive east on Highway 2 for 50 miles, turning left onto Beckler River Road. Continue north for almost seven miles to the end of the pavement and a three-way junction. If you cross a bridge over Rapid River, you've gone too far. Turn right onto FR 6530 and proceed for almost 5 miles to the trailhead.
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