Silesia Creek Trail

Silesia Creek Trail (Trail #672) is a long out-and-back hike in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that drops from the sub-alpine down into the Silesia Creek drainage and Mt. Baker Wilderness. It’s mapped as foot travel with ground surface, and it’s open year-round to hikers and llamas.

Round trip distance is about 9.1 miles, with roughly 3,106 feet of descent on the hike. Plan on 6 to 6.5 hours for the round trip.

Access starts at Twin Lakes, reached by walking on a mine-to-market road that heads northeast from Twin Lakes; that road enters the Mt. Baker Wilderness and is closed to motorized and wheeled vehicles. At the Twin Lakes area, expect the trail to begin in sub-alpine terrain and then commit to the steep drop toward Silesia Creek.

The trail is not recently maintained. Expect downed trees, washed-out sections, and route finding through dense brush, which makes it difficult to track without solid navigation skills.

Water is not available as potable along the route, so you’ll need to carry what you’ll need for the day.

The route is open year-round, with the note that it’s not recommended for stock. It’s also not recommended to treat the area casually around bears—black bears are frequent, so store food and scented items securely.

Operational logistics: a valid Recreation Pass is required at the Twin Lakes Trailhead. Service is handled through the Glacier Public Service Center, and the area can include mining truck traffic on the access road during summer.

Common season planning is summer through fall (June through November). The trail is used by hikers, and in winter it’s also used for snow travel (snowshoeing).

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Silesia Creek — Washington Trails Association