Old Sauk River Trail– Stroll along a Wild and Scenic River

Twin Lakes (Monte Cristo) — Follow a rugged old miner’s path to a remote basin

July 9, 2026 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Barlow Pass Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip: 17.0 miles Elevation gain: 3,900 feet Green Trails Map: Mountain Loop Highway no. 111SX Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest Notes: Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass required; A washout at the Twin Bridges requires…

Independence Lake–A great place to celebrate the 4th of July and the Freedom of the Hills

July 2, 2026 |

Quick Facts Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip: 1.5 miles…

Pinnacle Lake — Pretty little lake perched on a shoulder of Mount Pilchuck

June 25, 2026 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mountain Loop Highway, near Granite Falls Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest; Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 4.2 miles Elevation gain: 1,100 feet Green Trails Maps: Mountain Loop Highway 111SX Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Notes: access road is rough, high clearance vehicles recommended. Access: From Granite Falls follow the…

Lake Evan and Boardman Lake–Enjoy an easy hike to two family friendly lakes

May 21, 2026 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip: 2.0 miles Elevation gain: 300 feet Difficulty: easy (with some rough footing) Green Trails Map: Mountain Loop Highway 111SX Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Access: From Granite Falls, follow the Mountain Loop Highway east to the Verlot…

Lake Twentytwo─waterfalls, big cedars and a beautiful lake beneath Mount Pilchuck

November 6, 2025 |

Quick Facts Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip: 5.4 miles Elevation Gain: 1,350 feet Green Trails Map: Mountain Loop Highway 111SX Notes: NW Forest Pass required; dogs permitted on leash; trail can get busy, practice Leave No Trace ethics and consider visiting on a weekday. Access: From…

Bald Eagle Peak — Old-growth, stunning views, and solitude

October 2, 2025 |

Special Note: We apologize for sending out the Longs Pass Hike earlier today as it is currently closed due to a forest fire. We had scheduled the hike to run about a month ago and regret not catching that the trail is now closed. We try to provide timely hiking destinations, but you should always…

Silver Lake─Precious body of water above old mining district

September 11, 2025 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip: 13.0 miles Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet Green Trails Map: Mountain Loop Highway 111SX Access: From Granite Falls, follow the Mountain Loop Highway east for 31 miles to Barlow Pass. Hike begins by walking up gated Monte Cristo Road. Note: Northwest…

North Lake–Secluded Lake off popular Mountain Loop Highway

August 21, 2025 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip: 6.0 miles High Point: 4,925 feet Elevation gain: 2,250 feet Difficulty: difficult Green Trails Map: Mountain Loop Highway no. 111SX Contact: Darrington Ranger District Notes: Access road is rough in spots; high clearance recommended Access: From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east for 26 miles. Just…

Ashland Lakes

May 15, 2025 |

Old growth forest serenity Quick Facts: Location: Mountain Loop Highway Land Agency: National Forest Service Roundtrip: 5.5 miles Elevation Gain: 800 feet Green Trails Map: Mountain Loop Highway no. 111SX Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest Access: From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east to the Verlot Visitors Center. Proceed for…