Marten Creek Trail

Mountain Loop Hwy near Granite Falls. This trail needs some log-out, so come try your hand at a cross-cut saw. We'll also work on tidying up the trail by repairing any winter damage as well as cutting back brush and improving drainage.

In the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This surviving stretch of the old Granite Pass trail, which crossed to join the Kelcema Lake-Deer Pass trail, is a great walk through huge trees. The first mile is situated on an abandoned, extremely steep mining road. At 1.5 miles the trees thin, and the brush fills the gaps. At 2.5 miles you will find a small campsite next to Marten Creek. The old mine was across the creek, its secrets now lost to nature. At the valley head, Three Fingers Mountain can be seen standing tall above Granite Pass. Round-trip 5.0 miles, elevation gain 1400 feet.

Driving directions:
From Seattle, drive north on I-5 to Everett and take exit 194 onto US 2. Drive 2 miles east on US 2 to Highway 204, which exits to the left (north). Follow Highway 204 to Highway 9. Turn left (north) on Highway 9 and follow it just beyond Lake Stevens to Highway 92. Turn right and follow Highway 92 eight miles to Granite Falls. At the end of town, turn left (north) on the Mountain Loop Highway. Drive approximately 12 miles to the Verlot Information Station and continue approximately 9 miles east to the Marten Creek bridge. The trailhead (Marten Creek Trail No. 713) will be on the left (north) side past the bridge. (Driving time from Seattle: approximately 2.5 hours.)