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Troublesome Creek Nature

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
47.8983, -121.4014 Map & Directions
Length
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
104 feet
Highest Point
1,420 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy
Troublesome Creek on a sunny day. Photo by Jessica Wynne. Full-size image
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A short but scenic nature trail that begins and ends at the Troublesome Creek Campground. Hikers and campers will enjoy the walk along and over the turquoise creek, which indeed could be troublesome without the bridges spanning the shores. Continue reading

  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass
Rating
3.25 out of 5

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Hiking Troublesome Creek Nature

A short but scenic nature trail that begins and ends at the Troublesome Creek Campground. Hikers and campers will enjoy the walk along and over the turquoise creek, which indeed could be troublesome without the bridges spanning the shores.

The trail begins at the ADA parking spots near the picnic area. The loop can be done either direction but is clockwise as described. Pass the right turn to the footbridge and continue left to an interpretive sign with information on the local habitat.

The dirt trail gently weaves through tall trees and follows Troublesome Creek upstream. Upon reaching a sturdy footbridge, turn right and cross over Troublesome Creek. After the bridge, take a left towards Upper Loop at the sign for Upper or Lower Loop (the Lower Loop will follow the creek and both trails come back together after a short time). The Upper Loop is a brief climb into a shady forest, but it quickly rejoins the main trail back at the creek. Turn left here and follow the creek south, back to the bridge you passed at the beginning. Cross the bridge to return to the picnic area and parking lot.

Toilet Information

  • Toilet at trailhead
  • Accessible toilet

More information about toilets

WTA worked here in 2013 and 2012!

Hike Description Written by
Jessica Wynne, WTA Correspondent

Troublesome Creek Nature

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.8983, -121.4014 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

Drive Highway 2 east towards the town of Index. Turn left at the Sand Bar Tavern, and drive 1.1 miles to a bridge over the North Fork Skykomish River. Continue past the bridge, and drive another 10.1 miles on this paved road to the Troublesome Creek Campground. Turn right to enter the campground, then turn turn left to reach the picnic area and trailhead.

There is ample day-use parking just inside the entrance.  here are two ADA parking spots located near the picnic area. There are pit toilets, trash cans, water, and tables within the campground and picnic area. 

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Skykomish Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

Best Hikes With Kids - Western Washington & The Cascades by Joan Burton & Ira Spring, The Mountaineers Books

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5138807.pdf

Buy the Green Trails Monte Cristo No. 143 map

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Troublesome Creek Nature

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