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