Following a meandering path along a valley floor and then steeply up to a broad pass, the Fisher Creek Trail is part of a 14 mile traverse of breathtaking high mountain scenery through the eastern side of the North Cascades National Park.
Many hikers access Fisher Creek via Easy Pass, the trailhead for which is right off of Highway 20. Don't be fooled by the name -- this trail is definitely not easy. Coming from Highway 20, you'll traverse through forest and across clear glacial creeks for the first mile before beginning to climb up to the pass, filled with loose scree. This terrain requires regular visits from trail crews including WTA to keep it navigable.
Approaching Fisher Creek from the other side, hikers are faced with a far longer approach to the stellar views from the Pass. A meandering trail that begins at the Thunder Creek basin, near Colonial Creek campground. From here, the trail wends through the rugged backcountry of the North Cascades National Park.
The trail crisscrosses Fisher Creek, and you'll pass several camps; your third crossing is just a mile before Cosho Camp, the first campsite tucked into the forest with nearby views of Ragged Ridge and Mount Logan.
Four miles from Cosho Camp, Fisher Camp, where the trail's gentle grade through the valley ends, and the real climb begins. From Fisher, you'll climb 1,150 feet to Easy Pass. Emerge from the forest and for the last half mile, switchback up to Easy Pass, resplendent with wildflowers in late spring and early summer, and more views up valley and down.
Fisher Creek
48.5879,
-120.8029
Map & Directions
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Length
- 14.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,560 feet
Following a meandering path along a valley floor and then steeply up to a broad pass, the Fisher Creek Trail is part of a 14 mile traverse of breathtaking high mountain scenery through the eastern side of the North Cascades National Park.
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Hiking Fisher Creek
WTA worked here in 2016, 2015 and 2014!
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
A $26 backcountry permit is required to camp overnight in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (incl. Ross Lake National Rec Area and Lake Chelan National Rec Area). Permits must be picked up in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. See the National Park Service website for more information.
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
Northwest Forest PassWTA 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
From Highway 20, drive 5 miles west from Rainy Pass to a well-marked turnout on the left side of the road near mile marker 151. Look for a large sign proclaiming 'Easy Pass Trailhead'. There is room here for about 10 cars. Fisher Creek is on the west side of Easy Pass.
From Colonial Creek Campground, hike south on the Thunder Creek Trail for ten miles to the junction with the Fisher Creek trail.
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