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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a heavily used area, especially on the weekends. We encountered over 30 people before noon on their way up, ages 10 to 80. The trail is very well maintained and easy to follow. Semi-steep in some parts, but an overall moderate grade. No worse than climbing the stairs at your house in the steepest area. Beware the early spring and late fall snows which easliy obscure the trail. Allow plenty of time, and don't underestimate the amount of time to hike this peak. Along the way, you travel from dense seond growth forest to rocky alpine forest, to open mountain peak. This is the closest, easiest peak in the Cascade range. The Puget Sound, Mt. Baker, Mt Rainer, and the entire Cascade range are easily visible form the top on a clear day. Pilchuck and its lesser attached peaks are a visually fascinating layer upon layer of exposed rock (former lava flows) and steep cliffs. As you walk up, you'll pass the remnants of the ski lifts and lodge. Enjoy the views! Trailhead: From the Everett area, take State Route 92 through Granite Falls. Continue straight ahead, down Stanley St, and turn left at the stop sign (by the car wash). Go straight through the next stop (now on the Mountain Loop Highway). Continue down Mountain Loop several miles until you go over the silver/blue bridge. Immediately after the bridge, turn right. It is clearly labeled Mt Pilchuck. Follow the well used road until it ends in a parking lot (former ski lodge). There is a pit toilet and sign clearly marking the start. Sign in just up the trail from the parking lot. For more info and trail conditions, stop at the Verlot Ranger Station. (Editors Note: Another user indicates that it is the silver, not red bridge.) (Lat:48.06993 Lon:-121.81497) Trail Guides for Mount Pilchuck: Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Verlot Ranger Station, at 360-691-7791 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Tommy, Michele, Sam, & Oliver Koziol, who has posted 3 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 8 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Rena on 2/14/2010 This was a great hike. There was alot of snow on the top, half-post holing a few times. Used yak-traks which seemed to suffice. Started in rain, turned to sleet and then snow. It was a little windy on top but not bad. Took 5 1/2 hours which included a 1/2 lunch break in the lookout tower. Total distance was 5.7 mi round trip. Good winter hike and conditioner.
Reviewed by Chris on 12/28/2009 This was a really nice hike - I took about 3 hours to hike it and didn't quite reach the top (it was icy, i was about worn out, and there was fog incoming). The conditions were mixed - bare earth at the very bottom, snow at the very top (packed, too), and ice with rocks scattered through the middle. I was wearing hiking boots and the way was treacherous in a couple of places (downed tree across the path about 1.5mi in, ice with no footholds), so crampons are recommended in the winter. I'll have to try this again when i can start earlier and have better gear.
Reviewed by Viewer on 9/28/2009 Its an excellent hike with great adventue. We actually took about 5 1/2 hours to hike. We started later (around 1:45) & it was 7:15 while we reached the parking lot. Sunset had happened around 7 & hence it was a little scary at the end since we were the only ppl coming down. I would highly recommend to please start in time & keep some buffer so that you complete well before sunset. Overall, excellent views & one of the best hikes in the area!!! 
Reviewed by MJL on 9/17/2009 Loved this hike. One of my all-time favorites. We picked a clear sunny day with a high of 70 degrees. Although there were a few flies seen, we were not bothered by any and didn't need to use any repellent. Awesome mountain views in all directions, even to the east as you can see the Olympic range. The old lookout was nice to see. We stayed there for close to an hour, had lunch, took lots of pictures, and enjoyed the old time photos on display in the lookout. A great day hike and great exercise. I will definitely be back.
Reviewed by RS on 9/3/2009 Me and two other moms hiked to the lookout with lots of kids in tow and had a wonderful day (8/29). The whole trail is loaded right now with ripe huckleberries. We filled an empty water bottle with berries on the way down without leaving the trail at all. That was huge motivator for the younger kids. Heavy duty shoes would have made the it more comfortable, but it was an incredible experience for all of us. Now the kids can point to the peak and know they have been all the way up there! 
Reviewed by Mandy on 8/10/2009 Nice hike even in the rain! BUT: this hike is only 4.14 miles, not 6.
Reviewed by D on 7/30/2009 Well, we did this hike yesterday, July 29th on the hottest day in recorded history for the Seattle area. It was also a training hike, so we had 40 pound packs, and it was good training. Believe it or not, it wasn't too bad, had a bit of a breeze most of the time. Done the hike many times before with many people on the trail, so if you want the trail to yourself, wait till the next hottest day ever. It was approx 10-12 degrees cooler than the temp in granite falls. No snow (or even mud) left to speak of, though you can see a bit looking down on the north side. You could skip bringing food if you are good at catching flies, they grow them big up here!
Reviewed by Adrian on 7/26/2009 A great hike, As it is Sunday, I started early today (07:15) so it was not too crowded. The trail is good but as others have noted, very rocky in some parts and still quite squishy in others so, I found good boots and a pole very helpful. Your reviewer Deb is right, the bugs were out in force today so some repellent is a good idea - I 'rescued' a couple who had forgotten theirs! The climb up near the end is steep but not too difficult although care is needed in the final scramble up to the lookout. Once at the lookout the views are stunning, I know I'm from the UK where our highest mountain is 3,560 ft so 5,324 ft is impressive to me just for height, but even allowing for that, boy what a view! I'll be back! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Snohomish County Hiking, Snohomish County Trails, Snohomish County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||