Lost Creek Ridge Trail #646

Lost Creek Ridge Trail #646

Highlights: Mountain views, Lakes, Glacier Peak Wilderness,Kennedy Hot Springs

Distance: 11 miles miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 1800 feet

Ending Elevation: 5700 feet

Difficulty level: Most Difficult

Map(s):

Visitor Use: Low

SUMMARY:

Be sure to carry water on this route, for you cannot be assured that water will be found along the way. The trail climbs steeply through open woods for 3.0 miles to Bingely Gap at 4425 feet in elevation.

The route enters Glacier Peak Wilderness at mile point 4.6 and continues on, climbing up along the ridge to meadows and a saddle overlooking 12.0-acre Round Lake (elevation 5100 feet). A side trail, 0.7 mile in length, drops down to the lake. Camp spots can be found here among the trees.

The main trail continues past 0.5-acre Sunup Lake (elevation 5300 feet). Then the trail becomes harder to follow, as it is more a matter of following boot tread, blazes, and cross-country travel.

Early season travel can be hazardous because of high-angle snow slopes and difficulty of route finding. In late season, the going is fairly easy and enjoyable, with numerous lakes dotting the rolling timberline ridge.

Following the ridge, passing through vast meadows and through open basins with constantly changing views, you pass 0.7-acre Hardtack Lake (elevation 5450 feet). At 11.0 miles you reach 9.9-acre Camp Lake (elevation 5700 feet).

From here a side trail climbs to a knoll then drops to a rocky basin and descends to 51.2-acre Lake Byrne (elevation 5550 feet).

The trail then descends 2250 feet over 2.0 miles to Kennedy Hot Springs and the junction with the White Chuck Trail #643.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:From Darrington, drive south 19.7 miles on the Mountain Loop Highway to Sloan Creek Road #49 and turn left (east). Follow this road for 3.5 miles to the trailhead. It is signed and there is limited parking available.

Northwest Forest Pass required to park: Yes

TRAILGUIDE

Best Seasons: Summer/Fall

AREA

Verlot, Mountain Loop Highway, Granite Falls

RANGER STATION (NEAREST)

1405 Emmens St. Darrington, WA 98241

Open Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm(360) 436-1155

Verlot PublicService Center

Open Thursday - Monday8 am - 4:30 pm (360) 691-7791

TRAIL REVIEW submit your review

Notice: Hiking in the backcountry can be dangerous. Information on this website comes from a variety of sources. You have to be responsible for using good common sense and researching trails carefully. Things change constantly in the outdoors.

Use caution while hiking so you can enjoy it safely. Don't get in over your head. A call to the ranger station and avalanche hotline(winter) are highly recommended. Bring the ten essentials and make sure someone knows where you are going and expect to be back.