Pass Creek

Find yourself surrounded by an enchanting old growth forest on your journey to Pass Creek.

This hike is one of three that begin at the North Fork Skykomish trailhead. Start your journey on a fairly open trail created from a decommissioned road. This will open up into a small clearing where the old trail started and continue to the left and up, where the road narrows, becoming true trail.

This is where you enter the forest and shortly after the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. This trail meanders through the towering old growth forest and the dense understory of brush and ground cover. As you hike, gaze at springtime growth on either side of your feet or even up into the fantastically huge trees around you. Although this trail's grade is moderate, you may find yourself taking many breaks to admire the forest! 

Be sure to note the long wooden boardwalk, constructed by the Youth Conservation Corps. This carries you through a spectacular meadow wetland, keeping the environment safe from hiker's boots while allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery. 

At around three miles, you will reach the intersection for Dishpan Gap to the up left and Pass Creek to the lower right. Descend to the creek as you are almost there! Find yourself enjoying this beautiful shallow, clear, and crisp creek bed calling the finale to your journey. 

Note: There are several water crossings that can be challenging in early season run-off. Fording the North Fork of the Skykomish and Pass Creek may be difficult during early season snowmelt runoff.

Extending your hike: From Pass Creek Trail take a popular 16.7-mile loop trip by following the North Fork Skykomish to Pass Creek to the Pacific Crest Trail. Then head south to the PCT’s intersection with  West Cady Ridge Trail 1054. Take West Cady Ridge back to the North Fork Skykomish Trailhead on Forest Service Road 63.