Upper Suiattle River

This trail delivers hikers into a remote portion of forest on the eastern flanks of Glacier Peak. Start out from the trailhead at the end of FR 26 to walk 6.9 miles along the Suiattle River Trail, then head SE on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which quickly crosses the Suiattle River on a sturdy bridge. After 3.2 miles from the start of the PCT section, you will arrive at a junction with the Upper Suiattle River Trail. Turn left onto this trail. From here on out, the way is unmaintained. Depending on the season, and the number of hikers using the trail, this section can be categorized as anything from difficult to impassable due to fallen trees and encroaching brush. Check recent trip reports and call the Darrington ranger station for more up-to-date information.

Once on the Upper Suiattle River Trail, hikers will encounter several creek fords. Seasonal flows can make these treacherous. The section of trail between the PCT and the Gamma Ridge Trail is likely to be the best maintained, as this is the approach for those going up Gamma Peak. Beyond this junction, the trail keeps going but might be hard to follow. After four miles from the divergence from the PCT the trail comes to another junction. Stay straight towards the crossing with Chocolate Creek. The trail is very difficult to follow beyond this last creek crossing.