Upper Roaring Creek

Name: Upper Roaring Creek
Rating: 2.5

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

47.7510, -120.8940 Map & Directions

Length: 5.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,433 feet
Highest Point: 6,022 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty: Moderate

Mountain views
Dogs allowed on leash
Lakes
Established campsites
Fall foliage

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

Hike a scenic ridgeline on a trail connecting Lake Julius and Lake Ethel. Views of the central Cascades abound on this rugged route outside of Leavenworth. Continue reading

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Hiking Upper Roaring Creek

Hike a scenic ridgeline on a trail connecting Lake Julius and Lake Ethel. Views of the central Cascades abound on this rugged route outside of Leavenworth.

To reach Upper Roaring Creek, you must access it either via Lake Ethel trail, or Lake Julius. If you elect to try the Lake Ethel Trail, be prepared for a five mile, steep, dry trail that navigate through private logging area. But once you reach Upper Roaring Creek, you'll find a beautiful trail with an more alpine feel, featuring expansive views of peaks towards the north and east, including Glacier Peak, Clark Mountain, and the Chiwawa Mountains.

If you elect to visit via Lake Julius, be prepared to stay at Scottish High Camp, a private getaway that offers rides to the trailhead for Lake Julius.

Upper Roaring Creek

Map & Directions

Trailhead

Co-ordinates: 47.7510, -120.8940 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

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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

From the top of Stevens Pass continue 15 miles east to Gill Creek Road (Forest Road 6940), which is shortly after White Pine Road and the custom knife store. The gravel road is clearly indicated from Hwy 2 as “Gill Creek RD, Merritt, Lake Ethel Trail”.

From Leavenworth, turn left into the Gill Creek road 2.4 miles after the Nason Ridge rest area. On Gill Creek Road, turn left after crossing the Nason Creek and again turn left after crossing the train tracks. The trailhead is 1.4 miles from Hwy 2. There are about three real parking spots, but there is enough room next to the road for additional cars.

The trailhead has no facilities, but the trail enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness right before Lake Ethel, so a free, self-issued wilderness permit is required, and available at the trailhead. No campfires are allowed above 5000 feet. Dogs are required to be on a leash.

Trailhead

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

Loch Eileen (#1854.1), Lake Ethel (#1585), Upper Roaring Creek (#1584)

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

Green Trails No. 177 Chiwaukum Mts.

USGS Big Jim Mountain

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Washington Trails Association

Upper Roaring Creek

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Hiking Upper Roaring Creek

Map & Directions

Before You Go

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Getting There

Trailhead

Guidebooks & Maps