Specific Location: Approx. 20 miles north of Granite Falls, WA on Mt. Loop Hwy.
Total Trip: 5.7-6.0 miles, depending on how you navigate the last mile of the hike.
Amenities: Low/None
Peak Elevation: Approx. 5800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
I began my trip to the mountain by first turning out of tiny Granite Falls N/B onto Mt. Loop Hwy. You will travel north on this road for what seems like far too long (I believe it was 12 miles from town) until you come to a silver and blue suspension bridge. The next right will very clearly direct you up to the summit of Mt. Pilchuk.
Be prepared for the 5 dollar parking fee (I brought only $20s, and had to scrounge change from the ash tray... which I'm sure the park ranger did not appreciate). Checks are also accepted. Also, make sure to pass the first parking lot you encounter (this is the parking lot for Heather Lake, and if you pay there you risk a fine if you move up the hill later). You will continue up this path for approximately 7 miles. I should also mention that the first 5 miles of this path from the highway is dirt. I was fortunate enough to arrive on the day they were steamrolling it, but keep this in mind on rainy days... potholes and mud traps may lie around every corner...
Once you get up the hill, it's time to play! Make sure to use the bathroom at the base of the trail before going up (tend to be frequent hikers as you climb up, and not much cover in the trees if you forget).
The first mile of this climb is laughable for difficulty, but great for aesthetic pleasure. The trail is well marked out, and steep portions in the first mile are often aided by wooden "steps" installed by park services. There are two to three tiny streams for photo opportunities, and a campsite at the very beginning of the trail. There are gnats and an occasional mosquito in this first mile, but I survived the round trip without a single bug bite, so take that for what it's worth when considering bug repellent.
As you approach mile two, you will notice a big white wall composed of large, jagged rocks. It is pretty interesting to look at briefly, until you realize that the path you are on continues into this wall. Mile two of this trail is, in my opinion, the most trying of the three. The path is still fairly well defined, but strewn with rocks and rock--like steps, also likely installed by park services. There is very little to no tree cover in this portion of the trail, which is actually good for scenic purposes... however, if you choose to go on a hot summer day as I did, be prepared to burn the majority of your water stores keeping up with the sweat during this mile.
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| Pictured: Challenge! |
Mile three begins after the steepest 100 meters or so of the trail, coming to a rather even keel. The trail becomes a bit less defined in this mile, so be on the lookout for the orange flags and posted signs, especially as it gets darker. You will come to a really narrow point between two large slabs of rock, at which point you are at the 10-15minute mark from the peak of the mountain. As you reach the final 100meters of the climb, you will come to a clearing that appears to be the end of the trail. While the eastern view of the Cascades is nice, be prepared to look to the north and see yet another portion of trail in front of you! Don't worry, however, as the trail continues around one turn and comes to an end. You climb to a large wooden outpost at the peak of the mountain through a series of rock walls, and rest against the walkway knowing you are standing at 5800 feet :)
To the West, you can follow the path of I-5 through Lake Stevens, Marysville, and a tiny fraction of Arlington in the distance. If you look intently to the Northwest, you are able to see a glimpse of the parking lot from whence you came, as well as Granite Falls beyond that. There aren't very many close mountains to Mt. Pilchuk, but this gives you more of a universal view of the Cascades, and allows you ample time to pick your next target waiting in the distance. The wooden outpost itself has a logbook for you to etch your name in, setting in stone your accomplishment (well, paper, but who's counting).
All in all, I made it to the peak in just a little over an hour, and made it down in about a half hour. This was a very strenuous pace, however, and should not be aimed for if you aren't in decent shape and/or have good balance. Most people I talked to on the trail said they expect about two hours up and an hour pace down, which is plenty of time to enjoy the mountain for its sights.
I would make sure to bring a good sized water bottle up with you, especially in the summer. I burned through 60 Oz. of water round trip, and definitely craved more at the bottom. It's also a good idea to bring a few snacks, or even lunch at the peak. There are several large rocks that people actually set up blankets on up top for mini-picnics (although none of said rocks were secured, so do so at your own risk), and there are benches inside the outpost to sit and rest/eat. There is a General Store at the bottom of the 7 mile ascent to the parking lot, but not many other amenities around... I wouldn't expect more than Subway in Granite Falls if you're looking to enjoy dinner nearby afterwards, to plan ahead.
Overall, not a hard or incredibly steep climb, but definitely hard on your feet. Plan to rest a day before attempting further ascents if you're not used to the type of workout mountain hiking involves. Enjoy!
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