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Mount Pilchuck - Winter

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
48.0837, -121.7831 Map & Directions
Length
11.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,600 feet
Highest Point
4,000 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Hard

Road and parking area closed: Road construction on the Mount Pilchuck road has rendered this trail inaccessible until 2024

Saved to My Backpack

A popular summer destination, Pilchuck requires more experience with routefinding and snow gear in the winter. Be sure to have both should you venture here when snow or ice are present. Continue reading

  • Mountain views
  • Summits

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass
Rating
3.33 out of 5

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Hiking Mount Pilchuck - Winter

A popular summer destination, Pilchuck requires more experience with routefinding and snow gear in the winter. Be sure to have both should you venture here when snow or ice are present. 

Mount Pilchuck - Winter

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.0837, -121.7831 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

Road and parking area closed: Road construction on the Mount Pilchuck road has rendered this trail inaccessible until 2024

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

From I-5 in Everett, take Exit 194/Snohomish Wenatchee, then take Exit 204/Lake Stevens. Follow the road 2 miles, then turn left on to Highway 9/9 N Granite Falls. Follow Highway 9 for 1.5 miles, turn right on to E 92/Granite Falls. In 6 miles, come to a roundabout that has a log sign for Granite Falls. To bypass Granite Falls, take the roundabout to Quarry Road. Stay on Quarry Road through two more roundabouts. Come to a stop sign and turn left onto the Mountain Loop Highway. You can also stay on 92 and drive through Granite Falls, then turn left on the Mountain Loop.

In 10 miles pass the Verlot Ranger Station on the left. If you need a Northwest Forest Pass, stop here to snag one! A mile after the ranger station, cross a blue and gray bridge and immediately turn right onto the Pilchuck Access Road, FR 42. In 1.4 miles of good gravel road reach the Heather Lake trailhead signed on the left. There is a large parking area available on the right, and room for overflow parking on the left and down the road. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. There is a vault toilets and a garbage can.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Mount Pilchuck (#700)

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District, Washington State Parks

Guidebooks & Maps

Green Trails Granite Falls No. 109

Buy the Green Trails Granite Falls No. 109 map

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Mount Pilchuck - Winter

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