Marten Creek Trail #713

Marten Creek Trail #713

Highlights: Mountain views, Creek, forest, Boulder River Wilderness

Distance: 3.0 miles miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 1400 feet

Ending Elevation: 2800 feet

Difficulty level: Most Difficult

Map(s): Green Trails #110 Silverton

Visitor Use: Low

SUMMARY:

This route once served the Marten Creek Mines and extended over Granite Pass to Darrington. The first mile of trail is an old road established in the 1940's for mine access.

It climbs steeply as it passes an experimental tree plantation established in 1915 after a major fire. These tree seedlings were taken from various locations and elevations to compare success of growth over the years.

The trail enters the Boulder River Wilderness at the 0.2 mile point. After the first mile, the trail levels out and emerges into a large brushy basin. At 2.5 miles it crosses Marten Creek and continues for 0.8 mile to the site of an old mine. At this point, the trail disappears in the brush and access to Granite Pass becomes a matter of cross-country travel.

There is a good campsite located in the brush prior to the Marten Creek crossing. This trail provides good opportunities for solitude in a lowland forest.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:From the Verlot Public Service Center (11 miles east of Granite Falls), travel east on the Mountain Loop Highway 9.6 miles to the trailhead at Marten Creek.

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

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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.