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Poodle Dog Pass-Silver Lake-Twin Lakes Trail 708
Hike upward on long sweeping switchbacks, entering the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness shortly after leaving the cabin area. From here, pass through an open scree field with nice views of the valley and surrounding peaks before descending to Sunday Creek at approximately one mile. From here the trail moves through a boggy area before ascending very steeply up loose scree to Poodle Dog Pass at 4,350 feet. A short side trail leads to Silver Lake, where you can find good camping, a box toilet, but reportedly no fish. Remember to bring a stove as campfires are prohibited here.
The main trail climbs and drops steeply again and again, crossing the ridge line several times as it alternately skirts the headwaters of Silver Creek and 76 Creek. Dramatic views of Williams Peak, Columbia Peak and the surrounding ridges can be had at many points along the way. A rock scramble holds snow late in the season and creates a system of braided, intermittent boot paths that must be navigated with caution. At a bit over two miles that feel like five, come to a splendid viewpoint at 5,400 feet of Twin Lakes 600-feet below. This scenic areas offers fishing and exploring, but please restrict camping to establish sites. Campfires are prohibited within 0.25 mile of Twin Lakes as the use is heavy and down wood is scarce. Find a box toilet off a way-trail to the northeast shortly before reaching the inlet.
Note: Bring water. Surface water in the area has been found to contain arsenic and other heavy metals that exceed drinking water standards. A cleanup project is planned for the area in the next several years. Backcountry techniques for removing Giardia and other biological hazards (filtering, boiling) will not remove the heavy metals.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Medium |
|---|---|
| Best Season: | Summer/Fall |
| Restrictions: |
This trail enters the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness where wilderness regulations apply. Campfires are prohibited at Silver and Twin Lakes. |
| Closest Towns: | Darrington, Washington; Granite Falls, Washington |
| Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass is required at Barlow Pass Trailhead. |
| Information Center: | Check current conditions or call Darrington Ranger District office at 360-436-1155 or Verlot Public Service Center at 360-691-7791. |
General Information
Directions:Access from Barlow Pass trailhead.
Access 1:
From the Verlot Public Service Center (11 miles east of Granite Falls, WA), travel east on Mt. Loop Highway for 19.5 miles to Barlow Pass trailhead. See directions to trailhead below.
Access 2:
From the Darrington Ranger District office drive 24 miles south to Barlow Pass trailhead. Park here and proceed on foot past the gate at the start of the Old Monte Cristo Town Site Trail. Please note there is no bridge at 1 mile where the road crosses the South Fork Sauk River. At mile four the road ends, cross the bridge over the South Fork Sauk River and continue through the cabin area to two foot bridges. This is the trailhead. Proceed across dry Sunday Creek bed and past the cabin for the start of the trail.
General Notes:
Maps:
- Darrington Ranger District
- Green Trails: Sloan Peak 111, Monte Cristo 143
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Day Hiking
| Fire Information | Campfires are prohibited in this area. |
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
|---|
Backpacking
Related Information
Related Links
Location
