Mount Pilchuck
North Cascades
As of May 3, 2026, the Mountain Loop Highway to Mount Pilchuck remains closed, requiring parking at the Heather Lake Trailhead. Expect a 5-mile hike just to reach the Pilchuck trailhead, making for a total round trip of approximately 17 miles.
Recent reports from April 11 and May 2 indicate the road is in "grey condition" and suffers from potholes. The first mile of the trail is good, with minor creek crossings and mud. However, the final 1.5 miles are characterized by wet, melting snow and ice. Snow equipment is strongly recommended for the summit, as some sections are difficult and pose a risk of sliding. Navigation may be required in snowy areas, with potential for postholing.
generated from 84 reports
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Road still closed, parking at Heather Lake Trailhead.About 5 mile hike to Pilchuck trailhead, round trip marked as 17 miles total.Road up is in grey condition, first mile of trail is great condition, ...
Herman's PeakThe drive up was straightforward with a little snow near the top. The lower trail was in solid shape despite rain the day before, though it got muddy in stretches as the drizzle continued...
What a great trail. WTA updated the trail 2 summers ago. Look for the video on YouTube. The new stairs are beautiful. There are also some incredible rock stairs. The trail markers are really helpf...
Arrived around Noon on Tuesday AM - weather was around 60 and we could smell and feel smoke from the fires out east - the wind apparently shifted today with smoke heading West. Nevertheless, the highe...
Trail was in good condition, slippery in spots from wet boots on rocks. Other hikers reported seeing a mama bear and 2 cubs but I never saw or heard it going up or down the trail. Smoke made the views...
Great trial. Got to the trail at 3pm and the parking lot was still full. Alot if people on the trial up and down. The trail was a little wet and slippery in a few places. But nothing terrible. The tr...
We had a great time today hiking Mount Pilchuck. You’ll start this hike in a magical forest with lots of stairs. Lots and lots of stairs. They didn’t bother me until the way down. Once you leave the f...
I had been saving this one for an off-season weekday, and what a treat it was! Perfect weather and not crowded at all :-)The road up was in good shape, and there were only a few cars in the parking lo...
Arrived at 8:30 on a sunny Thursday. Twelve cars in lot. Fall colors are starting. The trail is very rocky so trekking poles were especially helpful on the downhill. Some blueberries still on bushes....
With not many warm, clear days left this summer, we headed up to Mount Pilchuck to take advantage of its panoramic views. The road up to the trailhead is in great condition due to the recent maintenan...
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