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Stetattle Creek

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
48.7171, -121.1500 Map & Directions
Length
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,100 feet
Highest Point
2,136 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Moderate
Stetattle Creek on a cool day. Photo by thowe. Full-size image
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Waterfalls

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

The Stettatle Creek Trail is an infrequently-used path that delivers hikers into a deep canyon in the heart of the North Cascades. Though it clears early in the season, this may not be the best option for those looking for an easy walk -- the trail is rugged and requires scrambling in places. Continue reading

Rating
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Hiking Stetattle Creek

The Stettatle Creek Trail is an infrequently-used path that delivers hikers into a deep canyon in the heart of the North Cascades. Though it clears early in the season, this may not be the best option for those looking for an easy walk -- the trail is rugged and requires scrambling in places. 

From the trailhead in Diablo, the trail immediately sets off along Stetattle, a cold, rushing creek -- perhaps more aptly called a river. You will walk past a housing area before entering the forest, and shortly after entering the forest, arrive at a washed-out section of trail. A landslide on the opposite side of the creek resulted in high water that wrecked the trail, which means it now requires a bit of a scramble to cross the washed-out section.

But beyond the washout, the trail is perfectly walkable. After 1.6 miles, the trail begins a switchbacking climb that rises several hundred feet above creek level. The narrow, mossy trail eventually levels out and traverses the slope of Sourdough Mountain in dry forest. There are glimpses of huge snowy peaks looming above, but views are limited for the most part.

Every so often, the trail crosses creeks tumbling down from the snowy heights above. The streams that feed Stetattle Creek originate high in the glaciers of McMillan Spires and Davis Peak. When the snowpack is heavy, the spring melt can swell these creeks to impassable -- use your best judgement as you press on. The trail eventually peters out after 3 miles.

Toilet Information

  • No toilet at trailhead

More information about toilets

Hike Description Written by
Multiple authors contributed to this report, WTA Community

Stetattle Creek

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.7171, -121.1500 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

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

On Highway 20, proceed to milepost 126 and turn into the town of Diablo.

Note: this is different than Diablo Dam. Find the trailhead just past the Stetattle Creek Bridge at the entrance to town. Parking is available in a small turnout to the right -- please park so other hikers can come and go while you hike.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

North Cascades National Park

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Stetattle Creek

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