Part of the scenic Pacific Northwest Trail, Swift Creek Trail accesses the Mount Baker Wilderness.
True to its name, this trail features challenging travel cross large and frequently swollen glacier-fed streams, with welcome respites on sections that meander through old-growth forest.
Swift Creek is minimally maintained and may require some route finding, especially through the dense vegetation of steep avalanche slopes. There are no bridges across Rainbow Creek or Swift Creek, so stream fording may be unsafe much of the year -- wait for late summer and the lower water that comes with that season.
From the parking area on Forest Road 1144, hike a quarter mile down the abandoned road turned trail and look for a trail on the left side of the road.
The eight mile trail ends at the extremely popular Lake Ann trail and Heather Meadows beyond.
Swift Creek
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Length
- 16.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,930 feet
The road to Artist Point is closed for the winter season
Hiking Swift Creek
Swift Creek