Rock Creek

getting there

Drive US-2 to Coles Corner, between Stevens Pass and Leavenworth, and turn north onto the Lake Wenatchee Road. After crossing the bridge over the river follow the Chiwawa Loop Road 1.4 miles and turn onto the Chiwawa River Road. Follow the Chiwawa river road for 14.8 miles and find the Rock Creek Trailhead (2,515 ft) on the right, just before the Rock Creek bridge and campground.

on the trail

Hike the Rock Creek TRail No. 1509. It starts out in forest and climbs to a junction with the Basalt ridge Trail at 3,400 ft in 2.5 miles. Stay on the Rock Creek Trail, continuing up the valley and entering the Glacier Peak Wilderness, 4.5 miles from the trailhead.  At 6 and 7 miles are creek crossings, which may be challenging early in the season, and at 7 miles and 1,800feet of elevation gain are campsites (4,300 ft).

Follow the remains of a trail up the valley through meadows as far as you like.  It is 5 miles and 2,700 feet of elevation gain to the top of Carne Mountain—there is brush and some route-finding may be necessary—for a round trip of 24 miles and 4,500 feet of elevation gain.

It's also possible to do a one-way hike with a car shuttle by from the Rock Creek Trailhead to the Phelps Creek Trailhead by descending to the Phelps Creek Trailhead from Carne Mountain. It's 15.8 miles one-way with 4,500 feet of elevation gain.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
• Seasons: July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
• Length: 24.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft
• High Point: 4,300 ft

• Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
  Glacier Peak Wilderness, Wenatchee River Ranger District (OWNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12