North Fork Silver Creek Trail

The longer, more scenic approach to Abercrombie Mountain, North Fork Silver Creek Trail is worth the extra effort involved for a hike to eastern Washington's second highest summit.

There are three trailheads to choose from for a hike up Abercrombie Mountain. For those who are concerned about the rough access roads leading to the other two trailheads, and who don't mind the extra distance involved, North Fork Silver Creek is arguably the best of the three options. Generally accessible by June of each year, this hike is ideal for a fall excursion. Western larch flank the surrounding hillsides and the trail passes through a long section of aspen grove, leading to some of the best fall colors in eastern Washington. The hike culminates in attaining the summit of Abercrombie, the second tallest peak in eastern Washington at 7,308' elevation, but also seventh on the list of ultra-prominent peaks in Washington state with a total prominence of 5,168'. In true eastern Washington fashion, hikers who ascend via North Fork Silver Creek get to traipse through not only a beautiful forest, but also a high elevation meadow filled with both wildflowers and sagebrush. This trail is a segment of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. A small campground is located adjacent to the trailhead, along with access to South Fork Silver Creek Trail for additional hiking in the area.