Old Commonwealth Creek Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Starting at the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead, you'll hike a very short distance then take an unsigned left on the Old Commonwealth Creek Trail. This turn is just past the horse/equestrian sign. Follow this trail up into the valley; don't miss the side trail to the left to reach a peaceful waterfall (listen for the water).

You'll cross the creek a few times and eventually link up with the more established section of the Commonwealth Creek Trail. There were several nice looking campsites along the creek section of trail.

Head up the trail and begin climbing up onto the flanks of Red Mountain. To the west, Snoqualmie Mountain will become visible.

You'll reach an intersection with a trail heading to the west; I'd recommend continuing north for 100 yards or so for a nice resting spot at Red Pond. Refill your water bottles here if you haven't already, then backtrack to the aforementioned intersection. Keep heading west, and you'll soon come to a junction with the Red Mountain Summit Trail. This difficult 40-60 degree incline up the mountain is steep and difficult. If you choose to take this route, make sure you're prepared. I'd definitely recommend trekking poles, but my hiking partner went without them. Also, I'd recommend climbing helmets to avoid any falling rocks. As a point of reference, I'd consider this steeper and harder than the push to the Mailbox Peak summit.

As an alternative to the scramble up Red Mountain, you can continue on the Old Commonwealth Creek Trail, roughly where the scramble begins, but continue heading north, instead of starting the scramble. This will lead up to a ridge above Red Pond called Red Pass.

Overall, I'd recommend using a solid GPS or the Hiking Project mobile app, in addition to routefinding skills if you attempt this hike. There aren't many signs, so you need to recognize where you are in the landscape. That said, the trail is in good shape and makes for a fun journey.

There is lots of brush near the start, but this transitions to old-growth pine forest after 0.5 miles or so. The meadows and rock slides near Red Pond are quite beautiful.