Meadow Mountain Trail #657

Meadow Mountain Trail #657

Highlights: Mountain views, forest, Glacier Peak Wilderness

Distance: 17.5 miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 2500 feet

Ending Elevation: 2600 feet

Difficulty level: More Difficult

Map(s): Green Trails #111 Sloan Peak #112 Glacier Peak

Visitor Use: Medium

SUMMARY:

The first 5.5 miles of this trail is on closed Road #2710, now considered Trail #657 (Meadow Mountain Trail), which climbs steadily up a gentle grade. The old trailhead is on the left at the end of the road and climbs steeply for 1.3 miles through dense woods before reaching the first meadow. A small stream nearby suggests a relaxing pause for lunch.

The trail continues on for another 1.5 miles until the junction with a way trail on the left (east). Drop down 0.7 mile to the 11.0-acre lake, which is in a beautiful alpine setting, cliffs on one side, trees and meadows on the other.

The trail enters the Glacier Peak Wilderness at the 7.0 mile point.

The main trail continues on past the lake turnoff, angling up a ridge passing forest and meadows at 3.0 miles. The fall colors of these meadows and ripe blueberries in September and October are well worth the effort involved to visit the area.

The trail continues going up and down, with numerous switchbacks giving you excellent views of Glacier Peak. Although camp spots are frequent along the way, the first site with guaranteed water is at 8.5 miles. The ridge crest is crossed at 5850 feet.

From here, the 9.6-acre Diamond Lake, elevation 5250 feet, and the 11.0-acre Emerald Lake, elevation 5150 feet, are accessible by compass and map only, since there is not a trail to either lake.

Continuing along the ridge, the trail proceeds through patches of trees, side hill flowers and fantastic views, eventually dropping down with a few switchbacks.

Campsites are available along the trail. At 12.0 miles the trail passes by Fire Mountain. Experienced trail hikers can venture up the 6591 foot mountain. At 16.0 miles you reach the White Chuck Trail #643, which is 1.5 miles form the White Chuck Trailhead.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:From the Darrington, take the Mountain Loop Highway 9.0 miles to the White Chuck Road #23 and turn left (east). Follow this road for 6.0 miles to the Rat Trap Pass Road #27 (signed Meadow Mountain Trail). Turn left (north) and drive 2.4 miles to the trailhead (may not be signed) on your right.

Northwest Forest Pass required to park: Yes

TRAILGUIDE

Best Seasons: Summer/Fall

AREA

Darrington, Mountain Loop Highway

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.