HM1 Haystack Mountain Series Trailhead Traditional Cache

This is a series of 5 caches and a bonus cache to Haystack Mountain, a former lookout site. This series is all on logging roads to the last cache and can be done on foot or mountain bike. The route is 7 miles one way with 3800 feet of elevation gain. The side trip to Gilligan Creek is less than a mile total and mostly flat.

Start at a logging road off East Gilligan road, near the South Skagit Highway. There is parking for a few cars near the gate. Do not block the gate or drive through when it is open. This gate may be locked at any time.

The route: Follow the main logging road up the hill to the split 300 feet before reaching HM2. A right turn here will take you to Gilligan creek and to the East side of Cultus Mountain. To continue the Haystack series take the left fork to HM2 and continue up the road, bypassing side roads into clear cuts.

There are numerous views to enjoy along the way, especially to the North.

These forests (and clear-cuts...) are owned Weyerhauser –the former Longview Timber Company and DNR. And the area is protected for drinking water supply. The Skagit PUD draws water from Gilligan Creek as one of the four streams that provide water to Judy Reservoir. So if you live in Skagit County you might see the water coming down in the streams today at some time in your drinking glass at home.

Weyerhauser’s North Cascades Tree Farm is accessible for non-motorized use. No camping, day use only, stay out of active logging areas and no smoking or fires. The area could be closed at any time, sometimes for logging or fire danger.

--Click here-- and check the bottom of the page under Weyerhaeuser Columbia Timberlands/Longview.
You can call the Weyerhaeuser Recreational Access Hotline for Washington before you go at 1-866-636-6531. The information on the phone is often more up to date than the website.

The start of the road