North Fork Bridge Creek

The North Fork of Bridge Creek is a tucked-away gem of a hike in the North Cascades National Park. Accessible from both the Stehekin valley and Highway 20, many people blaze past this side trip on their way along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). 

But if you choose to explore this branch, you'll be rewarded with stunning mountain valleys at the base of Mount Logan, one of many striking peaks in the North Cascades. Of course, you'll have to share the trail with brush, bugs, and maybe even bears to get there. 

This spur is just off the Bridge Creek Trail north of Stehekin. From High Bridge, hike the Pacific Crest Trail north, through brush and fireweed for three miles. The trail crosses Bridge Creek and you arrive at a fork. From Highway 20, you'll hike south on the Pacific Crest Trail from Rainy Pass for about 10 miles to the same fork. Note that the mileage given here is only for the Bridge Creek trail, not for the approach to it. 

Turn onto the trail marked for North Fork Meadows and Walker Park. The route wanders along the eastern edge of the north fork of Bridge Creek. Continue for 2 miles to Walker Park, a good option for camping. 

Two miles beyond Walker Park is another camp, Grizzly Creek. This camp is a bit larger, so you may be sharing with stock or other backpackers. 

Beyond Grizzly Creek Camp, the trail continues for three more miles, gaining most of your elevation in the last two miles. The views once you arrive in the meadow are absolutely stunning. To your north, at the head of the valley is Mount Logan. To the east is the park boundary, marked by craggy peaks running all the way to Storm King Mountain in the southwest part of the valley.