Goat Lake
2 days ago
Fall color arriving at the lake
13 this month · 113 reports
Lost Creek Ridge
North Cascades
updated 5 days ago
The trail to Lost Creek Ridge is generally in good condition, with most reports from mid-summer to early September indicating snow-free conditions. Access via the Mountain Loop Highway is straightforward, with reports noting the road is suitable for all vehicles. Hikers have encountered some minor obstacles, including blowdowns and sections that require crawling under logs, particularly in the first few miles from the trailhead. Water sources can be scarce on the ridge itself, with reliable spots noted at Sunup stream, Hardtack Lake, and Camp Lake, though these may dry up later in the season. Fall colors are beginning to appear on the upper meadows as of September 20. Bugs have not been a significant issue in recent reports, with most noting them as not bad or non-existent. Parking at the trailhead can be limited, with reports suggesting arriving early, especially on weekends.
Generated from 20 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Lost Creek Ridge
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 5 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road to the trailhead is reported as suitable for all vehicles as of September 20. Minor washboarding has been noted, but no significant issues have been reported recently.
Some blowdowns and sections requiring crawling under logs have been reported, particularly within the first mile of the trailhead. As of September 20, the trail is otherwise in good shape with no major obstacles mentioned.
Water sources can be scarce on the upper ridge. Sunup stream may be dry, but trickles are present, and water is available at Hardtack Lake and Camp Lake. The last report mentioning water scarcity was from August 14.
Bugs have not been a significant problem in recent reports. As of September 20, no bugs were noted. Prior reports from August 14 and July 30 mentioned them as not too bad or an annoyance, but this has not been a recurring issue in later reports.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh5 days ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Perfect weather for an overnight exploration of Lost Creek Ridge, from Lake Byrne to Breccia peak.Found the trail to be in good shape, and while it’s “roller coaster” reputation is true, it does allow...
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
We arrived to the trailhead around 3pm on Friday and got to Round Lake around 6:30pm after slogging up the ridge. There is one or two spots to fill water but nothing else until the lake. You’re in the...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Update:Not much to add beyond the previous report — pretty close to what we did! Just wanted to give a quick heads up: there's an active hornet/yellow jacket nest about 500 ft past the double logs you...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Spent 2 nights, 3 days up on Lost Creek Ridge. Trail is in good condition and easy to follow. There are 2-3 water sources still running on the ridge, but may dry up in the next couple weeks. The sect...
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Traveled on the PCT north from Stevens Pass to Kennedy Creek, where I heard about the wildfire closure on the PCT, causing me to do an adventurous hike down Kennedy Ridge, across the White Chuck River...
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades
Up to Lost Ridge Trail and over to Lake Byrne. All in good condition. Descent from Lake Byrne to White Chuck River had a few blowdowns, but was easy to follow. 30 yards of easy bramble to break throug...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
I've been hiking the PNW for decades and have done this hike multiple times..... it's defiantly one of my favs. And yes, it's quite challenging!In my opinion, the most enjoyable way to do this hike is...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Hiked to Lake Byrne via Lost Creek Ridge Trail as a single-night trip and it was definitely ambitious.The first three miles are shaded with steady switchbacks and consistent elevation gain. At the jun...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
A longer, leisurely loop through Glacier Peak Wilderness! Highlights include watching a snake eat a slug larger than it's head, so many wildflowers, and fantastic views of Glacier Peak, Mount Baker, a...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Perhaps the fact that this trail launches you a mile into the air in a relatively short amount of time deters sane humans. The payoff is spectacular views and virtually no people, even on a sunny holi...