Circle Peak Trail

Circle Peak Trail (#638.1) is a Glacier Peak Wilderness route in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that connects from Crystal Lake/Sac Pass terrain to the old Circle Peak lookout site. The full hike commonly runs about 15 miles round-trip, and it’s mapped as a long-distance hike route with a moderate difficulty label.

The trail character is a mix of forest travel and open alpine meadows: it climbs steadily from forest switchbacks into meadows, then continues up toward the ridge and summit approach near the old lookout. Expect steep switchbacks through meadow areas and a final short approach to the lookout area that calls for a more experienced scrambler for the last stretch.

Elevation gain is substantial for the distance—about 3,000 feet—starting near 2,500 feet and ending at the Circle Peak summit area (Circle Peak Trail’s starting/ending elevations are listed as roughly 2,500 to 4,500 feet, with the broader Crystal Lake/Circle Peak route reaching the lookout site).

Common approach begins with Crystal Lake / Scar Pass connections: follow the outlet creek boot path from near Crystal Lake to a well-established trail that switches back through small meadows, traverses toward Scar Pass, then continues with switchbacks down/up to tie into Circle Peak Trail through an old clear-cut and climb for roughly five miles to the lookout area.

The wilderness context matters on this route: Glacier Peak Wilderness regulations apply, including limits on group size (12) and wilderness camping rules in the broader area. This trail is also not maintained for livestock, and it requires scrambling ability near the old lookout site rather than just standard trail hiking.

Logistically, parking and trailhead access are handled via Forest Service roads around the Meadow Mountain / Crystal Lake area. The route is managed within Glacier Peak Wilderness access corridors, so road or trail impacts can affect practical access to the Meadow Mountain–Crystal Lake trailhead used for the common connections.

More information: Conditions, Conditions, Visitor information