Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Swift Creek Trail 607
This trail acccesses Mt. Baker Wilderness. True to its name with challenging travel through old growth forest and across large and frequently swollen glacier-fed streams. Swift Creek trail 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. Stream fording may be unsafe much of the year. Access the trail from the parking area on Forest Service Road 1144 near the junction with Forest Service Road 1130. Hike ¼ mile down abandoned road #1144 to the trail on the left (east) side of the road. The upper end of the trail connects to Heather Meadows via Lake Ann Trail 600.
Swift Creek supports a population of fish. Swift Creek trail is part of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.
At a Glance
| Area Amenities: | Toilets |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | A Washington State fishing license is required for fishing. |
| Usage: | Light |
| Best Season: | Spring through Fall |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Sedro Woolley, Washington; Glacier, Washington |
| Water: | Treat all drinking water. |
| Restroom: | See amenities below. |
| Passes: | A valid recreation pass is required at the Lake Ann trailhead (north access). (A pass is not required at the south trailhead.) |
| Information Center: | Check current conditions or call Mt. Baker Ranger District, Sedro Woolley office (south end) at 360-856-5700, extension 515 or Glacier Public Service Center (north end) at 360-599-2714. |
General Information
Directions:Trailhead Access - South End
From the Mt. Baker Ranger District office in Sedro-Woolley, WA follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway, Forest Service road 11. Continue 17.7 miles to Forest Service road 1130 and turn left. Follow road 1130 for 4 miles. Turn right and follow Forest Service road 1144 to its end. Hike approximately a fourth mile downhill on closed Forest Service road 1144 to the trailhead on the left.
Trailhead Access - North End
From Glacier, WA travel east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 for 23 miles to Heather Meadows. The Lake Ann trailhead and parking area are on the left side of the road, between Austin Pass Picnic Area and Artist Point in Heather Meadows. Hike Lake Ann Trail 2.3 miles to the signed junction with Swift Creek Trail.
General Notes:
Maps:
- Green Trails: Mt. Shuksan 14Mt. Baker Wilderness Climbing 13S
- Forest Service: Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness
- USGS: Shuksan Arm
Activities
River and Stream Fishing
Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:| Elevation desc | Elevation gain/loss: +2500 feet (from south end) |
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
|---|
Amenities
| Toilets: | Vault toilets available at the Heather Meadows Visitor Center and Austin Pass Picnic Area. A mountain toilet is available at the junction of the Lake Ann and Swift Creek trails. No toilet at the south end trailhead. |
|---|
Related Information
Related Links
Location
