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Bald Eagle Mountain

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
48.0012, -121.2940 Map & Directions
Length
13.6 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
3,800 feet
Highest Point
5,800 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Hard
Photo by trip reporter Sir-Hikes-A-Lot. Full-size image
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Mountain views
  • Rivers
  • Ridges/passes
  • Waterfalls

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

Enjoy a peaceful river walk followed by nicely graded switchbacks on the way to Bald Eagle Mountain. Views of Monte Cristo and surrounds will be the reward for your efforts. Continue reading

Rating
1.50 out of 5

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Hiking Bald Eagle Mountain

Enjoy a peaceful river walk and nicely graded switchbacks on the way to Bald Eagle Mountain. Views of Monte Cristo and surrounds will be the reward for your efforts.

There is more than one way to access the trail to Bald Eagle Mountain. The following description assumes you are starting from the Quartz Creek trailhead.

The trail follows pretty Quartz Creek, a long, gentle uphill. You will hear the creek but never quite see it. A beautiful waterfall (and creek crossing) at about two miles may require you to remove your boots unless you don't mind wet socks.

At about four miles, reach Curry Gap which consists of a wide, flat meadow with multiple camping opportunities. There are a number of water sources nearby. Fill up on water here if traveling in late summer or during a dry season.

Turn left (uphill) up the switchbacks to Bald Eagle Mountain. Along the way, you will see multiple views of Monte Cristo and surrounds, which comes increasingly into view as you ascend. There are a couple of creeks along the way which may be seasonal.

Attain the ridge just shortly before Bald Eagle Mountain. Campsites are scarce and the trail crosses several avalanche shoots. Meander along the ridge before heading down towards a pond; then up again steadily for about 2 miles. An established campsite can be found here, about 9 miles from the trailhead.

From here continue across two large, scenic meadows past June Mountain, to Dishpan Gap and then out the N Fork Skykomish trail for a complete loop.

Hike Description Written by
Kate Neville, WTA Staff

Bald Eagle Mountain

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.0012, -121.2940 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

Drive US Highway 2 to just west of milepost 50 (located between the town of Skykomish and the Skykomish Ranger Station). Turn north onto Beckler Road #65, toward Beckler River Campground. From US Highway 2 on FS Road #65, drive 15 miles. Turn right on FS Road #63. Continue 4.2 miles to West Cady Trailhead. Quartz Creek #1050 starts on the north side of the parking lot. Follow Trail #1050 to the junction with Bald Eagle Mountain Trail #650 at Curry Gap (4.4 miles).

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Bald Eagle Mountain (#650)

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Skykomish Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

Best Loop Hikes: Washington (Best Hikes) by Dan Nelson

Green Trails Sloan Peak No. 111

Green Trails Monte Cristo No. 143

Green Trails Benchmark Mtn No. 144

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Bald Eagle Mountain

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