North Fork Skykomish River—A wild and lonely hike in the Wild Sky and Henry M. Jackson Wildernesses

Quick Facts

Location: North Fork Skykomish River Valley

Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Roundtrip: 12.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

Green Trails Map: Monte Cristo- No. 143, Benchmark Mtn- No. 144

Contact: Skykomish Ranger District: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest; (360) 677-2414; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs

Special Note: Northwest Trail Pass required.

Access: From Everett head east on US 2 for 50 miles to Skykomish turning left onto the Beckler River Road (FR 65). Continue north for 15 miles and just after crossing the North Fork Skykomish River come to a junction. Turn right onto FR 63 and proceed 4.3 miles to road’s end and trailhead.

Oft overlooked by day hikers because of its length and potentially dangerous ford, the North Fork Sykomish River Trail remains one of the Central Cascade’s best trails to escape the crowds. Located at the end of the North Fork Skykomish Road, the nearby Blanca Lake and West Cady Ridge Trails siphon the vast majority of hikers who wander this way.

While the North Fork Skykomish River Trail is over 9.5 miles leading to beautiful Dishpan Gap high on the Cascade Crest, heading all that way isn’t necessary to enjoy this trail. Besides, Dishpan is buried under snow right now, and that ford of the river is dangerous in early summer—but the ford is located 6 miles up the trail making it a prefect destination to turn around for a day hike. The entire hike is within the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness and the newly minted Wild Sky Wilderness. And this trail travels most of the way along the North Fork of the Skykomish River, from which the Wild Sky derives its name. Nearly the whole way traverses magnificent old growth forest too—among the largest and oldest stands in the region.

Start by following an old road and immediately enter the Wild Sky Wilderness. After about 1.4 miles the way transitions to bona fide trail. In another half mile you’ll enter the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. Just an administrative change, as the surrounding old growth forest continues and you won’t notice any differences from wilderness to wilderness area! At 3.2 miles bear left at the Pass Creek Trail junction, hiking farther up valley passing frog and mosquito breeding wetlands, giant trees and nice riverside lounging sites. At 6 miles you’ll reach the ford; intimidating and dangerous this time of year. Return the way you came continuing to savor your solitude and real wilderness experience.

For information on lodging and other attractions near the North Fork Skykomish River, visit www.snohomish.org.