Open Backpack - Dishpan Gap Loop

Most people hike to Dishpan Gap from the east via the Cady Ridge and Little Wenatchee River Trails. By approaching from the west, experience a less crowded loop in the Wild Sky and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, visiting three passes and hiking along a section of the PCT.

On the trail

Hike the North Fork Skykomish River Trail 1051 for 3.2 miles to a junction. Proceed right on the Pass Creek Trail. Reach the Pacific Crest Trail at 6.8 miles. Continue north on the PCT to Dishpan Gap at 12.8 miles. Turn west on the North Fork Skykomish Trail. At 18.2 miles, return to the Pass Creek Trail junction, turning right back towards the trailhead.

Our longest day may be up to 11 miles because preferred camp locations with water are not equally spaced.

This route includes several river crossings that can be potentially dangerous in high water.   Please have a second pair of shoes suitable for water crossings (I use my Crocks which have a heal strap).  Near the trip start, I will contact the  local ranger district to verify the river flows are reasonable.

The loop is described in detail in Backpacking Washington, 2nd Edition

Photo credit: WTA trip reporter Merritt

• Some may choose to carpool.  Please expect to reimburse the driver. 
• We can caravan from a predetermined meeting location.
• The meeting time will be shared closer to the trip date.

Getting there

Heading east on Hwy 2 from Skykomish, turn left (north) on Beckler River Road (Forest Road 65). Continue for 14.9 miles (the pavement ends at 6.9 miles), coming to a junction after crossing the North Fork Skykomish River. Turn right onto FR 63 and proceed 4.3 miles to the road's end and trailhead (elevation 2,500 ft). Primitive camping and privy available.