Mount Pugh Trail #644

Highlights: Mountain views, forest, Glacier Peak views

Distance: 3.5 miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 1900 feet

Ending Elevation: 5000 feet

Difficulty level: Most Difficult

Map(s): Green Trails #110 Silverton

Visitor Use: Medium

SUMMARY:

The trail climbs steeply through dense forest for 1.5 miles before reaching the 3.4-acre Lake Metan, elevation 2800 feet.

Just before the lake is a spring which is your last water source before reaching the end. The trail then continues with long gradual switchbacks ascending to a small meadow at 3.5 miles. Mountain goats can frequently be seen on the upper slopes of the drainage.

From here the trail is steeper and continues with switchbacks until you come out to the timberline at Stujack Pass. Excellent views can be enjoyed here. Hikers without climbing experience should not continue on.

The footpath now treads over a razorback ridge to the top. In places, the trail has been blasted out of rock. You should be equipped for steep snow travel during early summer and for rock scrambling all summer.

A lookout was built on Mt. Pugh in 1927, but has long since been destroyed. You might see remnants of a tramway used to haul building materials to the top. Views from the top are magnificent. All the Cascades from Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier to Glacier Peak are quite visible on a clear day.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:From the Darrington, drive the Mountain Loop Highway 14.0 miles to Road #2095 on the left (east) side. Proceed for 1.0 mile. The trailhead is on your right and should be signed.

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.