Whistle Punk Trail
Accessible 1.5 mile trail with a crushed gravel surface suitable for wheelchair users. This quiet and flat wooded loop hike features historical logging equipment.
getting there
Take Washington State Route 14 (SR 14) east towards Carson. As you approach Carson, take the second exit from the roundabout to begin heading north on the Wind River Highway. Drive north, passing through Carson, for 9 miles on the Wind River Highway. Turn left onto Hemlock Road and drive 1.25 miles to Forest Service Road 43 which is just past the Wind River Work Center. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 43, then continue 0.5 mile to Forest Service Road 417. Look for the Whistle Punk trail sign. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 417 and follow it 0.5 miles to where it dead-ends at the parking lot.
on the trail
Hike the loop in either direction and enjoy the shady quiet of large trees and leafy vegetation. The loop is a "lollipop" with a short section of extra wide trail you'll hike regardless of whether you opt to go clockwise or counterclockwise. The trail does include a short stretch of a service road, perhaps 100-200 yards; this is signed and you'll stay near the fence. If you decided to go clockwise, you'll be keeping to the left on this service road section and then soon reaching the "handle" of the lollipop. There is a wooden observation platform approximately halfway through the loop overlooking a brushy wetland. Not many views to be had here but the platform provides a nice place for a break. There are signs by some of the historic logging equipment explaining logging history as well as the trail's namesake job of "whistle punk." Although the WTA's entry for the Whistle Punk trail mentions a connector trail that bisects the loop, as of May 2024 this connector trail has been abandoned and is unmaintained. An outhouse is available at the parking lot.
Section H of the Pacific Crest Trail is nearby, crossing over the roads you drive to reach the Whistle Punk trailhead. A highlight of the Pacific Crest Trail here is Bunker Hill, a former lookout site, with more than 1200 feet of elevation gain.
- Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Trail Running
- Snowshoeing Category: Beginner
- Seasons: Year-round
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Length: 1.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 45 ft
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Land Manager:
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Mount Adams Ranger District (GPNF)
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Wind River No. 397
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