Swift Creek Trail

Swift Creek Trail (#607) is a rugged, hiker-only route in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that provides access into Mt. Baker Wilderness. It’s part of the Pacific Northwest Trail corridor, and it’s described as challenging travel with frequent stream crossings across large, glacier-fed creeks.

Plan on route-finding: the trail is minimally maintained and passes through dense vegetation tied to steep avalanche-slope terrain. Expect travel to be harder during periods of high water, since Rainbow Creek and Swift Creek have no bridges and stream fording may be unsafe much of the year.

The route runs about 8 miles one-way and links to Heather Meadows via Lake Ann Trail 600 at the upper end. The other end connects out at Lake Ann Trail, where the Swift Creek section meets the broader PNT network.

Access the Swift Creek Trailhead from the Forest Service Road 1144 area near the junction with Forest Service Road 1130. Hike roughly a quarter mile down closed Forest Service Road 1144, then look for the trail leaving on the east (left) side of the road.

A second access option is via the Lake Ann Trail: Swift Creek joins Lake Ann about 2.3 miles down the Lake Ann Trail. This north-side trailhead connection requires a Northwest Forest Pass at the Lake Ann parking area, and that parking lot can fill quickly.

Practical trip notes: water should be treated, and wilderness regulations apply in Mt. Baker Wilderness (including a party size limit of 12). Fishing on Swift Creek requires a Washington State fishing license.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Swift Creek - Washington Trails Association