Frog Mountain
5 days ago
Fall color is arriving and peaking
12 this month · 93 reports
West Cady Ridge to Benchmark Mountain
Central Cascades
updated 1 month ago
The West Cady Ridge to Benchmark Mountain route has seen mixed conditions based on recent reports. The western sections of West Cady Ridge are described as overgrown with grass and having a narrow tread as of July 19, becoming more rugged and rocky with blowdowns further into the forest. East of Benchmark Mountain, West Cady Ridge was reported in good condition on July 19. Access to the general area via Index-Galena Road is complicated by washouts, with reports of the road being closed July 24 and impassable/closed August 17 due to a washout past the bridge. However, some reports indicate the road to Blanca Lake trailhead was recently cleared and in good shape past the bridge. Obstacles include trees down across various trails, with some large trees on Quartz Creek Trail requiring a grip hoist for removal, and a significant blowdown on West Cady Ridge near Cady Pass.
Generated from 15 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about West Cady Ridge to Benchmark Mountain
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 month ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 1 month, so everything below is at least that old.
The Index-Galena Road has experienced washouts. As of August 17, it was reported as impassable/closed, with a washout past the bridge. However, another report from July 24 indicated the road was blocked at mile marker 10, about 5 miles from the washed-out North Fork Skykomish Bridge, but passable just after a gate. The road to Blanca Lake trailhead was recently cleared and in good shape past the bridge as of August 17.
The trail was noted as overgrown with grass and having a narrow tread west of Benchmark Mountain on July 19. Further into the forest, it becomes rockier and more rugged with several blowdowns, though none were considered terrible at that time. Some larger trees were also noted as obstacles on the Quartz Creek Trail, with plans for specialized equipment to remove them.
As of July 19, there were abundant water sources reported along the entire route. However, a report from July 24 noted that creek passes near campsites were dry, though substantial water was discovered on the trail itself, which disappeared before reaching the road, possibly due to water diversion efforts by maintenance crews.
More in Central Cascades
Surprise and Glacier Lakes
6 days ago
Steep trail with rocks and roots ahead
10 this month · 55 reports
Tonga Ridge / Mount Sawyer
6 days ago
Fall colors bursting, views spectacular
9 this month · 48 reports
Heybrook Lookout
yesterday
Excellent rewarding look upriver to Baring Mountain
7 this month · 93 reports
Fisher Lake
6 days ago
Fall color arriving, berries scarce
7 this month · 23 reports
Wallace Falls State Park
1 week ago
Wasp nest warning and a bear sighting
6 this month · 158 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
General update for hikers accessing Blanca Lake and the Quartz Creek trailheads. I just completed a four day logging work party with members of the Skykomish Forest Service. Here is a summary of cur...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Access update:Based on previous trail reports I drove to the Index-Galena Rd. side, which is blocked at mile marker 10, which is 5 miles from the washed out North Fork Skykomish Bridge. I chose this b...
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
We did a big loop from North Fork Sauk up to White Pass, south on the PCT, then west on West Cady Ridge, connecting the Quartz Creek Trail and Bald Eagle Trail back to the car on FS 49 (Sauk River).Th...
Older12 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Excellent trail condition with lots of blueberries at the higher elevations once you emerge from the forest onto the ridge. Beautiful Fall color of deep red meadow foliage despite the dry conditions. ...
Older16 months ago
Central Cascades
Overnight on West Cady Ridge from May 8-9th, 2025.ROAD:The forest roads to the TH were sprinkled with copious potholes and even a small water crossing, but I made it fine in my tiny car and there was ...
Older16 months ago
Central Cascades
The road was typical forest service road, potholes in places. I made it up in my sedan. Once I got to the trailhead I started up the North fork Skykomish river trail and expected to make it farther up...
Older22 months ago
Central Cascades
A hiking friend suggested this as a good early-season snowshoe, and I really enjoyed it! I had never been to this trailhead before but it's a nice option, especially with the Index-Galena road open ag...
Older22 months ago
Central Cascades
Beautiful trail, excellent views.Found a pair of prescription sunglasses on our way down, if these are yours let me know, I can try to get them back to ya.
Central Cascades
Trail ran starting on the West Cady Ridge trail to Benchmark then took the PCT to Pass Creek and out on the North Fork Skykomish trail.West Cady Ridge trail is in fantastic condition. The side trail t...
Older24 months ago
Central Cascades
Did a loop of West Cady, Pass creek and north fork Skykomish, with a short side trip to saddle pass. The loop is about 18 miles. Great fall colors and views from Benchmark mountain.My travel time : 3:...