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Troublesome Creek Nature

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
47.8983, -121.4014 Map & Directions
Length
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
104 feet
Highest Point
1,420 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy

Wildfire: trail closed

Troublesome Creek on a sunny day. Photo by Jessica Wynne. Full-size image
Saved to My Backpack

A short but scenic nature trail that begins and ends at the Troublesome Creek Campground. Hikers and campers will enjoy the walk along and over the turquoise creek, which indeed could be troublesome without the bridges spanning the shores. Continue reading

  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Waterfalls
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass
Rating
2.67 out of 5

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Hiking Troublesome Creek Nature

A short but scenic nature trail that begins and ends at the Troublesome Creek Campground. Hikers and campers will enjoy the walk along and over the turquoise creek, which indeed could be troublesome without the bridges spanning the shores.

The trail begins at the ADA parking spots near the picnic area. The loop can be done either direction but is clockwise as described. Pass the right turn to the footbridge and continue left to an interpretive sign with information on the local habitat. The dirt trail gently weaves through tall trees and follows Troublesome Creek upstream. Upon reaching a sturdy footbridge, turn right and cross over Troublesome Creek. After the bridge, take a left towards Upper Loop at the sign for Upper or Lower Loop (the Lower Loop will follow the creek and both trails come back together after a short time). The Upper Loop is a brief climb into a shady forest, but it quickly rejoins the main trail back at the creek. Turn left here and follow the creek south, back to the bridge you passed at the beginning. Cross the bridge to return to the picnic area and parking lot.

WTA worked here in 2013 and 2012!

Hike Description Written by
Jessica Wynne, WTA Correspondent

Troublesome Creek Nature

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.8983, -121.4014 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

Wildfire: trail closed

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

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

Please note that Index-Galena Road is closed past Index; navigating to the campground may try to take you this way, but the road is impassable for vehicles at this time.

Instead, take Highway 2 towards Skykomish and Beckler River Road. 17 miles of this route is on forest service roads, much of it gravel.

Heading east, drive through Skykomish. 2.4 miles from the Skykomish grocery store, take a left onto Beckler River Road.

Heading west, drive 2.2 miles past the Skykomish Ranger District building and turn right onto Beckler River Road.

Drive NE on Beckler River Road, passing Beckler River Campground, for 5.3 miles. Continue straight as it becomes NF-65 for another 5.6 miles. At Jack Pass (large junction), take the second left onto NF-63. There is a hard-to-read sign for Troublesome Creek Campground and San Juan Campground. Follow the road down into the valley for 6 miles, passing the East entrance to Troublesome Creek Campground. Cross the bridge, and take the next left into the West entrance to the Troublesome Creek Campground.

There is ample day-use parking just inside the entrance. Turn left to reach the picnic area and trailhead. There are two ADA parking spots located near the picnic area. 

There are pit toilets, trash cans, water, and tables within the campground and picnic area. 

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Skykomish Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

Best Hikes With Kids - Western Washington & The Cascades by Joan Burton & Ira Spring, The Mountaineers Books

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5138807.pdf

Buy the Green Trails Monte Cristo No. 143 map

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Troublesome Creek Nature

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