White Chuck Trail #643 / #643A
| Trail Uses |  |
Length | 6.9 miles one-way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season of Use | Summer / Fall | Beginning Elevation | 2300 feet |
| Visitor Use | Heavy | Ending Elevation | 4150 feet at PCT #2000 near Sitkum Creek |
| Map(s) | Green Trails: Sloan Peak #111, Glacier Peak #112 | Level of Difficulty | Difficult |
Access:
From the Darrington Ranger Station, take the Mountain Loop Highway 10 miles to the White Chuck River Road on the left (east). Follow this road for 11 miles to the end.
Attractions & Considerations:
This is the most heavily used trail within Glacier Peak Wilderness. The terrain is fairly gentle, not gaining much in elevation. There are numerous trails that intersect with the White Chuck Trail. At 1.4 miles the Meadow Mountain Trail #657 is on the left. Continuing on, the trail passes through ancient groves of trees following high above the White Chuck River. The cascading creeks along the way make this a delightful hike. At 4.0 miles the Kennedy Ridge Trail #639, accessing the PCT #2000, is on the left.
Horsemen heading for Kennedy Hot Springs should look for stock crossings at Kennedy Creek and the White Chuck River. The trail crosses Kennedy Creek and then forks. The right fork is the hiker trail to the springs. The Kennedy Hot Springs area, at an elevation of 3300 feet, is very popular and requires the cooperation of visitors. Please use only the designated campsites for overnight camping. Due to bear sightings, visitors are encouraged to hang all food using the cables provided at the campsites. Hikers heading for Lake Byrne are encouraged to camp at Kennedy and day hike to the lake.
Visitors are asked to please avoid walking in the revegetation areas and to use a backpacker stove. Please pack out all trash.
The springs measure about 5 feet x 5 feet and are only 5.5 feet deep. The temperature ranges from 92 to 96 degrees (which is less than body temperature). PLEASE DO NOT USE SOAP IN THE SPRINGS.