An easy to moderate 2.2 mile hike through mixed forest along
Barclay Creek up to Barclay Lake. You do not need to go all the way
to the lake for the cache, but I suggest that you do anyway. The
cache is only two or three feet off the main trail, so there is no
need to bushwack.
Some of the trees are old growth. Trillium, wood violets,
bleeding heart, salmonberry, and deer ferns grow along much of the
trail. Part of the way is on cedar boardwalks, which lead up to a
curious V-shaped log bridge over the creek (after a tree fell on
the bridge, it was rebuilt where it lay).
A short distance past the bridge lies Barclay Lake (elev.
2422'), with Baring Mountain (elev. 6125') looming 3700' straight
up.
The trail is suitable for children, though close supervision is
needed at the boardwalk (may be slippery), bridge, and lake. It may
be muddy in spots.
Barclay Creek Trail #1055 is in the Skykomish Ranger District of
the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. The ranger station is in
Skykomish.
Driving Directions: Take US Hwy 2 to Baring (east of Index, west
of Skykomish). Turn North at FS Road #6024 (636th Pl. NE) and
follow the road just over 4 miles to the trailhead.
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A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each
vehicle parked at the trailhead |
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