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Rocky Creek

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
48.5058, -121.4967 Map & Directions
Length
3.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,000 feet
Highest Point
4,300 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Hard
Blowdown. Photo by Roy J. Full-size image
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None
Saved to My Backpack

This old trail is no longer maintained by the Forest Service, and there's hardly any parking available at the trailhead, but if it's a quiet day, you might enjoy big old-growth on this little used trail. Continue reading

Rating
5.00 out of 5

Hiking Rocky Creek

This old trail is no longer maintained by the Forest Service, and there's hardly any parking available at the trailhead, but if it's a quiet day, you might enjoy big old-growth on this little used trail. 

Though the Forest Service has this trail recorded as only 1.7 miles long, it may be possible to travel more than 5 miles each way. Believed to be an old fire access or shepherds trail, it has surroundings similar to the nearby Cow Heaven Trail, another local shepherds trail.

While Rocky Creek offers no true destination, the trail does officially end on a ridgeline.  You'll hike through low-elevation old growth forest next to year-round springs, and enjoy cliff views. Next door, Cow Heaven offers a more structured visit, with a parking lot and true trailhead, as well as a meatier hike -- it's steeper and longer, offering more of a true day outing. But if you want a short forest ramble, Rocky Creek might be a good option. Just be sure to park considerately, since there is no dedicated parking lot or trailhead for this hike. 

Hike Description Written by
Multiple authors contributed to this report, WTA Community

Rocky Creek

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.5058, -121.4967 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA 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

Drive the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) to between Rockport and Marblemount. The trailhead can be found between Cascadian Farms and the Totem Trail Motel and Wilderness Village RV Park, near milepost 102. There is no parking lot or trailhead sign. Find the trail on the east side of Rocky Creek.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount Baker Ranger District

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Rocky Creek

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