State: Washington
Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Length, One-Way: 1.5 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4000 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5237 feet
Best Season: July to October
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy
Gorge Lake, Washington
Trail Information
The heavily used Cultus Creek Trail begins at the Cultus Creek Campground, enters the wilderness and climbs semi-open slopes toward the summit of Bird Mountain, a 1.5 mile long backbone ridge. The trail climbs 1,200 feet in elevation before passing through a saddle at 5,237 feet where you will be rewarded with views of the west slope of Mt. Adams. Beyond the saddle, the trail enters large timber and eventually connects with the Pacific Crest Trail National Scenic Trail (#2000). The trail features abundant huckleberries and views of Mt. Rainier and the Goat Rocks, Sawtooth Mountain and Sleeping Beauty.
Directions
From Trout Lake:
Drive west on State Highway 141 past Mt. Adams to the forest boundary. At the boundary, Highway 141 becomes Forest Road 24. Take FR 24 north, across Dry Creek and past Hidden Lakes, to the Cultus Creek campground. The trailhead is at the campground.
