White Chuck Bench Trail #731
| Trail Uses |   |
Length | 46.4 miles one-way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season of Use | Summer / Fall | Beginning Elevation | 1600 feet |
| Visitor Use | Low | Ending Elevation | 1000 feet |
| Map(s) | Green Trails: Sloan Peak #111 | 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 5.5 miles; the trailhead is on the left just after crossing the White Chuck River.
Attractions & Considerations:
With modest ups and downs, this trail is a pleasant hike along the west side of the Sauk River The cedar stumps, surrounded by mossy vegetation and an assortment of ferns, make this trail a hiker’s delight.
The east end of the trail starts in dense second-growth timber and crosses several small streams before entering a stand of old-growth timber with many remnant cedar “giants”. This trail follows the river bench through thick timber and hand-logged cedar stumps (look for the spring board “eyes” on the stumps).
The trail partly follows an old railroad grade for several miles through stands of alder and second growth. After a rock crossing, the trail again climbs and follows the ridge high above the river, providing a view of White Chuck Mountain .
After crossing Black Oak Creek at 5.5 miles, the trail once again climbs above the river and remains nearly level, weaving amongst the trees.
As the trail skirts the ridge, views of the river and the surrounding mountains can be found. The west end of the trail rewards the hiker with a spectacular view of the river below and the towering peaks of the White Chuck and Pugh Mountains.