Circle Peak Trail

Circle Peak 634

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Ranger's Report

Weather

Road Condition

Distance:

2 miles one way

Hiking Time:

2 hours

Trailhead Elevation:

4000 ft

Elevation Gain:

2000 ft

Season:

July - October

Difficulty:

Moderate

Rating:

Best - Very Good - Good - Fair

Use:

Moderate

Users:

Hikers

Region:

Darrington Ranger District

Maps:

USGS Mount Pugh
Darrington Ranger District Map
Printable Topo Map

Permits:

Northwest Forest Pass is not required

Driving Directions:

From Seattle take I-5 North to Exit 208 onto Highway 530 East to Arlington. Follow the Highway 530 for 32 miles to the intersection with Mountain Loop Highway in Darrington. Turn left onto Highway 530 East and follow it for 7.5 miles, turn right to Suaittle River Road #26 (right after you cross Sauk River bridge). In about 10 miles turn right onto the South Suattle River Road #25. Gravel road starts after the bridge crossing. Follow the road for about 2.2 miles and turn right onto Rat Trap Pass Road #2700. In another 2.2 miles Road #2700 makes a sharp right turn, and Road #2703 goes straight. Continue on Road #2703 for about 5.2 mile to a sharp left turn (a spur #100 goes straight), the trailhead is about 1.7 miles ahead at the end of the Road #2703.

Trailhead:

Big parking, no water (water is at the creek about 0.4 mile up the trail).

Trail:

July 30, 2000

The trail starts at the clearcut and steeply climbs to the tree line, enters the woods and in about 0.4 mile of hiking brings you to the creek. Gradually climbing the trail continues through the woods, crossing several creeks, and in about 0.3 miles reaches a swamp. The creek there is your last chance for water on this trail. Make sure you have enough. The trail gets steeper and in another 0.3 mile brings you to a beautiful meadow slope with all the flowers at bloom at this time of the year . The higher you go up the slope the more gorgeous the view of the surrounding mountains opens up. About 0.8 mile of hiking the meadow leads to the ridge, where the trail turns left, leading to the peak. In about 300 feet a short spur leads to the right and then down the slope to Indigo Lake . The main trail continues straight and in about 0.2 mile reaches the summit (former lookout site). There is still some snow on this part of the trail. The view opening from here is fantastic: White Chuck Mtn., Pugh Mountain, Glacier Peak , Mount Baker, Dome Peak and all the rest as far as you can see. There is a mail box with a register in it at the summit, where you are welcome to leave a message.