White Chuck Trail #643White Chuck Trail #643 Highlights: Mountain views, old growth forest, glacier peak wilderness, kennedy hot springs Distance: 5.9 miles one-way Beginning Elevation : 2300 feet Ending Elevation: 3300 feet Difficulty level: More Difficult Map(s): Green Trails Sloan Peak #111 and Glacier Peak #112 Visitor Use: Extra Heavy SUMMARY: The White Chuck Trail is the most heavily used trail within Glacier Peak Wilderness. The terrain is fairly gentle, not gaining much in elevation. There are numerous trails that intersect with the White Chuck Trail. At 1.4 miles the Meadow Mountain Trail #657 is on the left. Continuing on, the trail passes through ancient groves of trees following high above the White Chuck River. The cascading creeks along the way make this a delightful hike. At 4.0 miles to the left is the junction with Kennedy Ridge Trail #639, accessing the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. Horsemen heading for Kennedy Hot Springs should look for stock crossings at Kennedy Creek and the White Chuck River.The trail crosses Kennedy Creek and then forks. The right fork is the hiker trail to the springs. The Kennedy Hot Springs area, at an elevation of 3300 feet, is very popular and requires the cooperation of visitors. Please use only the designated campsites for overnight camping. Due to bear sightings, visitors are encouraged to hang all food using the cables provided at the campsites. Hikers heading for Lake Byrne are encouraged to camp at Kennedy and day hike to the lake. Visitors are asked to please avoid walking in the revegetation areas and to use a backpacker stove. Please pack out all trash.The springs measure about 5 feet by 5 feet and are only 5.5 feet deep. The temperature ranges from 92 to 96 degrees F (which is less than body temperature). PLEASE DO NOT USE SOAP IN THE SPRINGS.
TRAILHEAD ACCESS:From the Darrington , travel south on the Mountain Loop Highway along the west side of the Sauk River. Drive this road for approximately 10.0 miles. After crossing the Sauk River Bridge take the second left, the White Chuck River Road #23. Follow this road to the end, a total of 11.0 miles. 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.
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