Trail #5 & #5B Quartz Creek & Quartz Creek Butte

Area Status: Open

Noted for its old-growth trees, this trail offers a superb opportunity for solitude. A trip in and out of the area will be at least a two-day hike.

Leaving the Lewis River/Quartz Creek Trailhead the 10.2 mile Quartz Creek Trail #5 travels upstream, climbs and then descends to Straight Creek, 1.6 miles from Forest Road 90. Straight Creek must be forded, which may be difficult during periods of high water. From the ford, the trail climbs steeply then contours across hillsides on the north side of Quartz Creek until it intersects Quartz Creek Butte Trail #5B.

The 1.7 mile Quartz Creek Butte Trail #5B heads southeast and fords Quartz Creek then climbs to the end of Forest Road 9075 and Summit Prairie Trail #2.

After it's intersection with Quartz Butte Trail #5B, Quartz Creek Trail #5 starts a dangerously steep ascent nearly 0.5 mile long, followed by contouring and a gradual descent to the Snagtooth Trail #4 junction at 6.3 miles from the trailhead. From here travel another 1.25 miles, crossing Quartz Creek twice, and come to the French Creek Trail #5C junction. The trail continues to climb through progressively more open terrain to its junction with Boundary Trail #1.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	08/28/2023: ALERT: Current fire activity poses risks to trail users. Avoid using this trail until further notice. Contact the Mt. Adams Ranger District for more information. 509-395-3402.
Usage:	Light
Closest Towns:	Trout Lake, WA
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Mount Adams Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

Lewis River/Quartz Creek Trailhead

Activities

Mountain Biking

See activity description under Backpacking.

Day Hiking

See activity description under Backpacking.

Backpacking

As you travel upstream, the trail climbs then descends to Straight Creek, 1.6 miles from Forest Road 90. Straight Creek must be forded, which may be difficult during periods of high water. From the ford, the trail climbs steeply then contours across hillsides on the north side of Quartz Creek until it intersects Quartz Creek Butte Trail #5B. The Quartz Creek Butte Trail fords Quartz Creek then climbs to the end of Forest Road 9075 and Summit Prairie Trail #2, 1.7 miles from the Quartz Creek Trail. The Quartz Creek Trail then starts a precipitous ascent nearly 0.5 mile long, followed by contouring and a gradual descent to the Snagtooth Trail #4 junction, 6.3 miles from the trailhead. Travel another 1.25 miles, crossing Quartz Creek twice, and you will come to the French Creek Trail #5C junction. The trail continues to climb through progressively more open terrain to its junction with Boundary Trail #1.