Marten Creek Trail

Marten Creek 713

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Ranger's Report

Weather

Road Condition

River Level

Distance:

3.3 miles one way

Hiking Time:

2 hours

Trailhead Elevation:

1400 ft

Elevation Gain:

1400 ft

Season:

May - November

Difficulty:

Strenuous

Rating:

Best - Very Good - Good - Fair

Use:

Light

Users:

Hikers

Region:

Darrington Ranger District

Maps:

USGS Silverton
Darrington Ranger District Map
Printable Topo Map

Permits:

Northwest Forest Pass is required

Driving Directions:

From Seattle take I-5 North to Exit 194. Follow Highway 2 East for 2.3 miles, stay in left lane, go to Lake Stevens Highway 204 East, in 2.2 miles take left (north) on Highway 9 to Lake Stevens, in 1.7 miles take right (east) on Highway 92 to Granite Falls, in 8.4 miles turn left (north) to Mountain Loop Highway. Look for Marten Creek trailhead 0.5 mile after MP 20. Trailhead is on the left side of the road.

Trailhead:

Small parking. Campsite, water, toilet are available. Make sure you have water with you - first water is in about 1.5 mile up the trail.

Trail:

This is a special trail for those who love old roads. The trail follows the road that served Marten Creek Mines in old days. First mile of the trai isl very steep. It brings you to the experimental tree plantation that was started back in 1915 after a forest fire. The path continues to climb but much gradually and the road now turns into a washed out and brushy trail. There are lots of Salmonberries to enjoy. In 2 miles the trail comes down to Marten Creek crossing that goes from the South to the North under a sharp angle. Look for a log to cross the creek. When on the west side hike up the creek about 100 feet to find the trail. It is covered with blow-down trees and looks more like another smaller creek - so much water is over it, and is very hard to spot. Another 0.8 mile brings you to the site of the old mine with some remains

. It is said that the trail continues further to Granite Pass, but it looks like it is no longer there.