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Backpack to an active fire lookout and pretty alpine lake in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.


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Map Key

30.3

Miles

48.8

KM

Out and Back

6,225' 1,897 m

High

1,667' 508 m

Low

5,672' 1,729 m

Up

5,667' 1,727 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Historical Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Relatively few trails enter the remote Glacier Peak Wilderness. This is one of the best: a long backpacking route that follows the Wild and Scenic Suiattle River before climbing to Miner's Ridge and Image Lake. Along the way, you'll encounter a historic fire lookout and sweeping views of Glacier Peak and its namesake wilderness.

Need to Know

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking.
Restroom available at trailhead.
Best hiked July - October.

Description

This multi-day backpack is best done in 3-5 days. The trail begins with an easy grade along the Suiattle River, gaining about 1,300 feet over 9 miles. It's a long warmup before the main event: an intense climb up Miner's Ridge. Much of the trail is through old-growth forest, which provides shelter from the summer heat.

At 6.3 miles, cross Canyon Creek via a suspension bridge. Shortly after the bridge at 6.5 miles, reach an intersection with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Continue straight (left) for the PCT north. There are a couple of camping areas around the 8.5-mile mark -- a good place to rest before continuing your climb. At 9 miles, turn left onto Miner's Ridge Trail #795 and get ready to gain some 3,300 feet up to the ridge and lake.

After a series of relentless switchbacks, reach a junction 12 miles from the trailhead. Stay left here, continuing up to another junction at 13.5 miles. Turn left to take the 0.4-mile side trip out to Miner's Ridge lookout. This active fire lookout is closed to the public but makes for a great photo opp with excellent views of Glacier Peak and the North Cascades.

Retrace your steps 0.4 miles to the junction and continue along the Miner's Ridge Trail #795. Reach another junction at 14.6 miles and go either direction to loop around Image Lake. The view of Glacier Peak over Image Lake is spectacular, especially at sunset.

You can spend a night or two at one of the lake's camping spots before returning the way you came. According to the Forest Service, "Backpackers can camp in an area just southeast of the lake. Camping and off-trail stock use within the lake basin is prohibited. No campfires allowed."

Contacts

Shared By:

Brandon Fralic

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#2274

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Recommended Route Rankings

#145

in Washington

#2,274

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Photos

Miner's Ridge Lookout (photo by Nathan Anderson).
Jul 19, 2024 near Stehekin, WA
Approaching Miner's Ridge Lookout (photo by Nathan Anderson).
Jul 19, 2024 near Stehekin, WA
Glacier Peak over Image Lake (photo by Nathan Anderson).
Jul 19, 2024 near Stehekin, WA
Canyon Creek suspension bridge (photo by Nathan Anderson).
Jul 19, 2024 near Stehekin, WA

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