Just after crossing Downey Creek on the single lane bridge about 21 miles up the Suiattle River Road from Highway 530 there is a driveway on the right (unsigned) for the Downey Creek trailhead parking area. There is a pit toilet and a large log trailhead information sign board. The trail crosses the road then begins a couple of switchbacks through the old growth forest covered in moss and not much undergrowth brush. In a little less than a half mile we came to the Glacier Peak Wilderness boundary sign. The trail goes through a flat area then rolls along up and down while sidehilling 60 degree slopes with the creek far below. There were some large fallen Doug Fir trees to go under and one large one to get over. This one could use some good foot and hand holds to help get you over it. You do not want to slip on this tree down the steep hillside. Too bad the Forest Service didn't do a better job at this location. A little sawing and ax work would do the trick. We only went in about three miles before having lunch and hiking back out. Only saw three other hikers, no animals, a couple of birds and one moth. Make for a nice old growth forest hike with no crowds. This is the exit trail for climbers doing the Ptarmigan Traverse starting from Cascade Pass and going southbound. Also for anglers fishing some of the highland lakes in this area.
The Suiattle River Road is in good shape for the most part. The roughest section is between the Huckleberry Mtn. trailhead and the junction with the FS Road 2680 to the Green Mtn. trailhead. This part of the road is very washboardy. The Buck Creek Campground is still open so we checked it out (George last camped there when he was a kid in the 1950's), but the Sulphur Creek Campground is already closed for the season. There are a few other trails you can hike up this road: Huckleberry Mtn., Green Mtn. Sulphur Mtn. and the Suiattle River Trail. Plus the Milk Creek Trail for those hikers with off trail and route finding experience.
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