Venture up a wild basin beneath the towering cliffs of Mount Dickerman. Transition along the way from avalanche blast zones to forest primeval to tarn-topped alpine meadows complete with views of Washington's most elegant volcano, Glacier Peak. And there's more: an awesome waterfall, a slew of rare plants, and an opportunity for experienced scramblers to subdue a duo of scenic summits.

A quieter and somewhat easier alternative to nearby Mount Dickerman, Perry Creek still attracts its legion of loyal fans. Rough in spots, the trail's rich variety offsets any inconvenience. Most of the way marches up the middle of the Perry Creek Research Natural Area (RNA), a 2066-acre protected tract. Established by the Forest Service after years of advocacy from noted botanist Art Kruckeberg and the Washington Native Plant Society, the RNA contains many rare plants, including male fern, leathery grape fern, and maidenhair spleenwort.

The trail immediately enters deep forest only to soon break out to cross an open avalanche slope. On rocky terrain but gentle grade, work your way up the valley, alternating between forested groves and brushy avalanche slopes. In fall, vine and Douglas maples add streaks of crimson to the surrounding greens and grays. Look across the valley to the long ridge of Stillaguamish Peak. Look over the valley to Big Four's imposing north face. And look straight up Mount Dickerman's frightening cliffs.

Hop across a creek, gentle in fall, testy in early summer. Soon afterward, at 1.9 miles, enter primeval forest. Showing off with magnificent falls in a deep, narrow cleft, Perry Creek finally greets you (elev. 3300 ft). Use caution appreciating the waters. Then cross Perry-tricky in high water-and begin working your way up steep slopes cloaked in ancient cedars and firs.

After some steep slogging on rooty terrain, the enveloping forest begins yielding to heather meadows. At 3.6 miles, come to an unmarked junction (elev. 4900 ft). The main trail continues right, steeply climbing another 300 feet to end on a meadowed bench (elev. 5250 ft) dabbed with delightful tarns and graced with splendid views out to Big Four, Glacier, Pugh, and Forgotten. And speaking of Forgotten, that 6005-foot peak is reached by continuing on an at times sketchy way trail that turns into a rocky scramble. Save it for the hardcore peak baggers. Enjoy the meadows.