This is an Oregonian's perspective of a simple, little hike (what we expected) to Stillaguamish Peak via Perry Creek trail and the ridge over to the summit. The 2 miles up to the falls is a relatively gentle rocky open bit. Once the log bridge is crossed, you find things changing to the more soft ground tread and roots in a pleasant, shady forest. Unlike some of the miners' trails in the Monte Cristo area, this steeper stretch, though, does not require high steps and root grabbing. With us six scanning for the cutoff to the ridge leading to Stillaguamish Peak, it was not evident on the ascent or descent. Granted, they say it is an un-maintained trail. But nothing stuck out, such as blazes, flags, or tread, to suggest the way. We checked the western-most switchback at 4,200' and also at the 4,300' level as other posters have suggested through the years. Attaining the ridge trail just below the meadows at 4,800' certainly works, but we would have preferred the steeper shortcut and close to a mile of less hiking. The ridge is straightforward, with the combination of the side slope and the damp, grassy vegetation requiring step vigilance most of the way. Once passing a knob on our clear, cool day, we could see the route to the summit block. The open, alpine look and surrounding scenery was awesome for the next mile. At the summit block U-notch we referred to the instructions provided by other posters, but did not proceed far enough left once past the notch. The ball-bearing, gravelly exposed slope we took directly to the summit was intersected by a distinct path on the left about 20' short of the summit. You can bet we followed that heatherly trail all the way down to the ramp to the notch with much less concern than what we faced ascending. The summit is quite large. Could hold 40 people easily, heaven forbid! On this Saturday we were the only climbing party. 150' below the notch on the return, a tarn beckoned one for a swim. It was deeper and colder than expected. As we experienced when climbing Forgotten years earlier, the last 2 miles out seemed to last forever. We would second the others' reports about the excellent condition of the Perry Creek trail from the maintenance viewpoint. And it was definitely worth it to drive 500 miles and through the omnipresent Tacoma/Seattle traffic gauntlet. Parking space is limited; you would be forced to walk a few blocks to the TH if 20 cars preceded you there.

The Perry creek trail up to the meadows is in good shape. There is snow in the meadow but the sun was hard at work and there are some dry snowfree patches. My goal for today was Mount Forgotten so after a brief respite in the meadow I shouldered my gear and headed out. There were others in the meadow contemplating the same, but I saw no one else leave the meadow in that direction. The trail drops abruptly and then disappears in some overhanging brush. It gives you the impression that it is going to continue to descend. I think this discourages many from going this way. Beckey says that this is only a 30ft drop. I'd say it is closer to 100ft. On the way out it seemed to have grown to more than a 1000ft. The trail is a climbers track from here and often just seems to disappear. Look carefully and you will find it again. I didn't encounter the snow again until I came around to the NE side. I was greeted by a small steep icy patch that I chose to climb around on its high side. This brought me to what Beckey describes as a scree gully. It is a steep icy snow chute still this year. I was glad I had my iceaxe. I began to kick steps as best I could in the hard surface. I began to question this approach as I considered the impending descent. I moved off the snow and climbed the rock and heather right at the melt boundary. I followed this same path coming down. Once above the snow chute the final approach to the summit is just a steep walk. I was quite glad to have finally reached the summit. I sat for a bit and took some pictures as the clouds began moving in. The summit register is missing. There were a few scraps of paper in the pipe and if they represent everyone thats been up here, its a pretty lonely summit. I think I counted eleven other people this year. I wrote an entry in a small spiral notebook that I had with me and donated it for use as the new summit register. It was now 5:30 and I decided I'd best head out if I wanted to be out before dark. Got back to the trailhead at 8pm. All in all it was a good day. I found a camera on my way back down the Perry Creek trail. If you can ID the make and model I'll do what I can to get it back to you.

I left the trailhead at 8:15 am, and entered the lowering clouds just before Perry Creek Falls. The views to remnant waterfalls across the valley had been great until then. From the Falls, I continued on snow-free trail to the Mt. Forgotten Meadows in increasing rain. My schemes for attaining the summit fizzled in the steady drizzle, and I forgot all about it, my mind as blank and gray as the drabby day. I thought about the second ascent of ""Not Stilly, Silly! Peak"", but my limbs were careening down, not up!

Beautiful hike, but I sure wish we hadn't hauled our snowshoes up there.They were not needed on the trail. The trail is clear of snow up to 1.9 miles then intermittent patches until the meadow. The trail is very hard to find near the top, map and compass or GPS are handy. The creek crossings require care as the water level is still high. Great views.

What to do for a hike and be back in Seattle by noon' I chose Perry Creek - a good morning hike anyway as the creek valley heats up impressively on sunny afternoons. The trail is in good shape up to the falls with the exception of a long snowfield that was a bit icy at 0730 in the morning. Best to have equipment or wait until mid-morning - it was nice and slushy on top on the way out. Also do use care crossing the creeklets before the falls - one of them has notable cornices that should be avoided. Went up the ridge about 1/4 mile past the falls until the trail was totally lost - luckily there is a good view from there over to the north face of Dickerman. Beware of punching through the snow above the falls - up to your knee or hip. Thanks to whoever did a good deed and tied a rope to make the creek crossing at the falls nicer for all of us. Back in Seattle by noon!