Beckler Peak Trail 1240
The Beckler Peak Trail could be compared with the popular Granite Mountain Trail 1016 along I-90, though a bit less strenuous, a lot less crowded, with beautiful views. Begin at the Jennifer Dunn Trailhead located about 10 road miles from Skykomish, elevation 2,800 feet. Climb the first 1.5 miles through young alder and some vine maple along a decommissioned logging road. Views are few until you reach a spacious log landing at the end of the road, elevation 3,750 feet. From here, an expansive vista of the Skykomish valley will demand examination.
The route continues as a trail, and immediately enters a hushed stand of mature silver firs. Pass through this quiet forest to Harlan Saddle, elevation 3,900 feet and begin climbing a series of broad switchbacks through big trees. Alert hikers will notice the remains of a trapper’s cabin near the trail. The switchbacks end suddenly as the trail tops out along a ridge top where the trees are spaced further apart and peek-a-boo views to the north tempt the hiker. The trail then begins to sidehill and steep switchbacks and rock stairs lead higher and higher. Bigger views open to the south, and one switchback corner opens up to West Beckler Peak.
Reach the final ridge top on a magical piece of trail through a steep alpine forest and a couple more switchbacks leading to the summit of East Beckler Peak at 5,026 feet. From here the views are grand, from Mt. Baring, Merchant Peak and Eagle Rock to the west, the Monte Cristo Peaks to the north and Glacier Peak to the northeast. Mt. Fernow keeps close company to the east. To the south, the Tye River winds its way to its confluence with the Beckler River, and in the distance the peaks of the central Alpine Lakes, Mt. Daniel and Chimney Rock are visible. On clear days Mt. Rainier may show itself 65 miles to the south. Don’t let a cloudy day stop you from this trip, as the beauty of the forest will compensate for the lack of distant views. This is a hike you will want to do over and over again.
Alert: The summit area is small and drops off the north, please exercise caution especially with children.
At a Glance
Operational Hours: | Open all year. |
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Open Season: | Summer-Fall |
Usage: | Medium |
Best Season: | Summer-Fall |
Restrictions: |
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Closest Towns: | Skykomish, Washington (10 miles) |
Water: | Bring plenty of water on this hike as water sources are very limited. |
Restroom: | vault toilet |
Operated By: | US Forest Service |
Information Center: | Check current conditions or call Skykomish Ranger District office at 360-677-2414. |
General Information
Accessibility:The trail is a more difficult hiker trail and not ADA accessible.
Directions:
From Skykomish, head east on Highway 2 to Milepost 52 (2 miles east of the Skykomish Ranger Station). Just east of Milepost 52 look for a sign saying Forest Service Road #6066. Turn left (north) on to Forest Service Road #6066. The trailhead and parking area are located at the end of the road.
General Notes:
- Green Trails: Skykomish #175
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USGS: Skykomish
Parking:
Activities
Mountain Climbing
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Viewing Wildlife
General Info:
AccessibilityThe trail is a more difficult hiker trail and not ADA accessible.
Directions
May need to describe from Seattle? Take I-405 north to Bothell/Hwy. 522 exit; take 522 to Monroe then east on Hwy. 2 to Milepost 52 (2 miles east of the Skykomish Ranger Station). Look for a sign on Highway 2 saying FS RD 6066 and just past (east) Milepost 52 turn left (north) on to FSR 6066.
General Notes
General, extra information you want to convey to the forest visitor.
- Green Trails: Skykomish #175
-
USGS: Skykomish
Parking
The trailhead and parking area are located at the end of the road.
Safety Information
The summit area is small and drops off the north, please exercise caution especially with children.
Accessibility