White Chuck Trail

Description:

• The White Chuck Trail is a moderate 6.9 mile hike or horseback ride. The trail begins at the end of the White Chuck Road #23 and ends at the Pacific Crest Trail near Sitkum Creek. This is the most heavily used trail within the Glacier Peak Wilderness. The terrain is fairly gentle, not gaining much in elevation like most of the trails in the wilderness. Many trails can be accessed from the White Chuck Trail.

  At 1.4 miles, the Meadow Mountain Trail is on the left. Continuing on, the trail passes through old growth trees, located high above the White Chuck River. At 4 miles, the Kennedy Ridge Trail that accesses the Pacific Crest Trail , is on the left. The trail crosses Kennedy Creek and then forks. The right fork is the hiker trail to the Kennedy Hot Springs.

  The Kennedy Hot Springs area, at an elevation of 3300 feet, is a very popular destination. The springs measure about five feet by five feet and are only five and a half feet deep. The temperature ranges from 92 degrees to 96 degrees. Designated campsites are available near the springs on a first come, first served basis. Hikers heading for Lake Byrne are encouraged to camp at Kennedy and day hike to the lake to minimize the destruction of the fragile lakeside vegetation.

  Continuing on past Kennedy Cabin on the left fork is trail #643A. This trail climbs easily switchbacking and traversing deep bog holes to intercept the Pacific Crest Trail at Sitkum Camp, 1.8 miles beyond Kennedy Creek.