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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 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Cristian on 6/28/2009 Hiked it yesterday, the top half part was covered in (partially melted) snow. Hiking up was a bit of a hassle for me (I'm a little on the heavy side), bu going downhill was really really fun (just slippin'and'slidin'). We will definitelly hike this train again. Make sure you stop at the Ranger Station just before entering the National Forrest and buy your parking pass, and if you're hungry on your way down, you should stop in Granite Falls at Omega Pizza & Pasta, the food is excellent.
Reviewed by Iris Kwaloff on 5/24/2009 This is probably one of my favorite hikes, first time went with my boyfriend and his 70 year old Dad who grew up in Germany hiking and loving the out doors. 
Reviewed by Sarah on 10/12/2008 Hiked this trail for the first time on 10/11/08. The ground was wet and muddy in the forest near the trail head, with patches of snow. As we got up to about 4,000 ft elevation, the trail became more rocky. Many of the rocks were covered in ice and were quite slippery. The views were amazing, though - if you do this trail, go on a clear day so you can see Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak, and the Puget Sound. The icy conditions are very dangerous for inexperienced or ill-equipped hikers. Make sure to have good hiking boots with ankle support, as it is very easy to twist your ankles on the icy rocks. I would highly recommend trekking poles also, especially for the descent.
Reviewed by Linnea on 10/6/2008 An absolute pleasure, did the hike in 4 hours and the scenic route is a great experience. you have everything you want here to make out the perfect hike. Snow, water, waterfalls, birds, wildlife and various terrain and rocks to climb. i´d do this hike again!
Reviewed by TA on 9/27/2008 (First timer) wow! what a view when the fog finally burns off early afternoon. It was a great scenic hike. Come prepared, for a great workout, it is all very much worth it when you finally make it to the lookout.
Reviewed by EH on 9/27/2008 Fun hike - a good bit of mud and a few gnat like bugs, but it wasn't bad (the tops of my shoes didn't even get dirty, just the sides. As long as you kept moving, the bugs weren't a bother and there were none at the summit). Headed up at 11:15 a.m. and were back by 4:30 p.m.-ish - but we're slow and spent a good amount of time at the peak! Many kids were on the trail and a few +70 (one guy had been hiking it since 1950). It's up all the way though, so if you have any conditions in your legs, it may not be the most enjoyable for you.
Reviewed by Dean on 9/13/2008 Hiked Sun 9/7 This is a great hike we started at the parking lot at 1230pm with my wife and 3 kids aged 7 9 and 11 and got back to the car at 530pm (5 hrs) (we spent 1/2 hour at the fire tower) round trip. This was the first climbing hike that my wife or kids have done and they had an absolute blast. We were not sure about taking our dogs - we saw many on the trek, but decided to leave them at home. The trails were great and I think very kid friendly - this is a must do hike !!! don't just think about it!!
Reviewed by TJC on 9/12/2008 I found the trail to be in excellent condition and well maintained. The views were exceptional and the fire tower in perfect condition. This has been a very rewarding hike, one that will be remembered for some time. I recommend the hike for anyone. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||