Hiking and Trail Access
Skykomish at Hwy 2 milepost 49.6 is your basecamp to dozens of nearby trails, from easy riverside walks to challenging alpine climbs. Explore lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and pristine alpine lakes just minutes from town. Popular nearby hikes include Deception Falls, Beckler Peak, and the Pacific Crest Trail. Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend getaway, or extended stay, Skykomish is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and experience the magic of the Cascades.
The popular Alpine Lakes Wilderness encompasses approximately 394,000 acres in the Central Cascades region within Washington State. The area is accessed by 47 trailheads and 615 miles of trails. More than 700 lakes and mountain ponds dot the glacier-carved terrain of this wilderness. Leave No Trace restrictions for this area. Wild Sky Wilderness is the newest addition to a 2.6 million acre wilderness complex that straddles the rugged Cascade Range from Canada to Snoqualmie Pass.
Skykomish Ranger Station – Your Gateway to the Forest
Before heading out on your mountain adventure, stop by for the latest information on trail conditions, road access, permits, and safety tips. Knowledgeable staff can help you plan your hike, check for fire restrictions, and provide maps and wilderness guidelines. It’s a must-visit resource for anyone exploring the surrounding forests and Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Popular Hikes near Skykomish on Highway 2
Visit one of the most striking lakes in the Henry M. Jackson wilderness. The vibrant blue of the glacier-fed lake provides the perfect rest stop for hikers who have braved the thirty-odd, steep switchbacks that lead to the lake. 8 miles roundtrip. Milepost 49.5.
Bygone Byways Trailhead see WTA Trip Report
Access to Bygone Byways Interpretive Site. 11 miles roundtrip. Near milepost 69.
Deception Creek Trailhead see WTA Trip Report
Accesses Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 11 miles roundtrip. Milepost 56.6.
The short half-mile interpretive trail along Deception Falls is a great stop for a quick stretch of the legs as you drive over Stevens Pass. .5 miles roundtrip, with 0.2 mile ADA-accessible trail. Milepost 56.6
A well-manicured trail with a wheel-chair accessible section, so recommended for less mobile hikers.
Dorothy Lake | Bear Lake | Deer Lake
Day hikers and backpackers alike visit Lake Dorothy, a very large and beautiful lake less than two miles from the trailhead. Once there, they either rest and play for the day, or continue on to Bear and Deer Lakes, a pair of very pretty smaller lakes deeper in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 11.5 miles roundtrip. 1.9 miles to Lake Dorothy, with an 800 foot elevation gain. Milepost 46.
Note this hike starts on a forest road now closed to cars.
A long, decent logging road to a short, pleasant trail, the trip to Evans Lake makes for a quick wilderness fix. The wide and well-groomed path immediately enters an ancient forest and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 1 mile roundtrip. Milepost 50.5.
Only one mile hike to the lake, after a 15-20 minute drive on dirt roads.
Evergreen Mountain Lookout See also WTA Evergreen Mountain Lookout
A short but stiff climb through an old burn, old growth forest, and alpine meadows to a restored fire lookout standing sentinel over the western flanks of the Wild Sky Wilderness. 2.8 miles roundtrip. Milepost 49.5. Rent @ $50 per night
Iron Goat | Martin Creek Trailhead
Where trains once thundered, volunteers have constructed an historic recreational trail. Three miles from the Iron Goat Interpretive Site to Martin Creek trailhead. 6 miles roundtrip. Milepost 55. You may also start at the Iron Goat Interpretive Center.
Take a hike through railroad history. A great hike for railfans!
Lake Serene Trailhead and WTA Lake Serene
Just west of Index. 8.2 miles roundtrip. Milepost 35.2.
Maloney Ridge | Sobieski Mountain
No hiking is required to reach the summit of Sobieski Mountain or Point 3400’+. However, hiking and mountaineering options are possible from any part of the mountain. An avid mountaineer can trek south of the summit to the Maloney Lakes. Milepost 50.5.
A great short hike to the Maloney Ridge Lookout provides a view of the Town of Skykomish, however there is a 20 minute drive on a dirt road.
Necklace Valley Trailhead, East Fork Foss
The challenging climb into the Necklace Valley well-rewards hearty hikers with cool alpine lakes named for precious gems that you can swim, fish in, or just camp beside. 18 miles roundtrip. Milepost 50.5.
Very popular multi-day trip, reservations required. Be sure to call the forest service in advance.
Pacific Crest Trail, North and South access at Stevens Pass and Section K from Stevens Pass
The WA section begins at the Bridge of the Gods, on the Columbia River and ends at Monument 78 on the Canadian border. Stevens Pass North Trailhead.
This full trail traverses the entire U.S. West coast, and takes an entire season to complete. Check out the section near Stevens Pass.
Surprise Creek Trailhead, Scenic WTA Surprise and Glacier Lake
Accesses Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 11 miles roundtrip. Milepost 58.7.
Tonga Ridge Trailhead / Tonga Ridge / Mt Sawyer
Accesses Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Milepost 50.5.
We highly recommend this hike on Tonga Ridge up to Mt Sawyer, which provides a 360 view of the neighboring mountain ranges. However it is about six miles round trip and steep in places.
Wellington Trailhead on the Iron Goat Trail
The site of the largest train disaster in the US, where 96 people lost their lives in an avalanche. Accessible via the Iron Goat Trail, from Martin Creek it is 6 miles to the Wellington townsite and less than a mile from the Wellington Trailhead. Milepost 64.4.
A great hike for railfans interested in railroad history. Note the Wellington trailhead to the Wellington disaster site is usually accessible only during late summer depending on snow.
West Fork Foss Lakes Trailhead and WTA West Fork Foss River and Lakes
Within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Full hike 14.6 miles roundtrip. Trout Lake 3.6 miles roundtrip. Milepost 50.5.
Highly recommended to experience the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
See nearby hikes on Google Maps
