Backpack - Silver Creek Way Trail

Detailed meeting information will be sent not later than Sep 4.  Plan for an early morning start to get to the trailhead by 9:00 am.

Located within the Olympic rain-shadow, this area receives ample sunshine and consists of a much drier landscape than points south and west. Lakes are rare in this wilderness. Silver Lake is one of the few gracing the region.

Silver Creek route was never officially built but involves instead a well-trodden user built boot path. It’s rugged in spots.  Reaching the trailhead involves a long rough dirt road from the north.  Our group will take a loop route with the return leg  via Mount Townsend.

Outbound leg:

 (To complete the loop, ~3/4 mile is traveled on the FS2870.   This is included on the first day's travel to balance the days.)

• Distance: ~4.3 miles
• Up:           ~2,081 feet
• Down:      ~30 feet

 Return Leg:

• Distance:  ~6.95 miles
• Up:           ~1,541 feet
• Down:       ~3,629 feet

Initially, the trip is only open to Tacoma Branch Introduction to Backpacking students.

Trip will open to all Mountaineers on April 18.  If not a student, please contact Gene Keltgen for permission before signing up.

Registered participants must provide leader with proof of vaccination before the trip.