Hall Point - Change Creek Trail

Our Hiking Time: 3h
Total Ascent: 1350ft
Total Distance: 2.5 miles
Location: N 47° 25.7940, W 121° 39.9640
Difficulty: Hard

Trail Guru Map of Hall Point - Change Creek Trail

After hearing vague talk of a new trail up Mt. Washington over the last few months, we decided it was finally time to investigate the rumors of a new approach to one of our favorite hikes. A little online research confirmed not only that the trail actually existed, but also that it was known as the Change Creek Trail and it could be found in some familiar territory: Olallie State Park and the Iron Horse Trail.

The Change Creek Trail branches off the Iron Horse Trail just above Olallie State Park near the Deception Crags climbing walls. Since being publicized in 1994, Deception Crags has become extremely popular, bringing hundreds of rock climbers to the walls every year. Like many of the other scramble routes in the area, the Change Creek Trail seems to have hacked out of the underbrush with an eye for expedience and utility without much in the way of deference to officialdom. The trail has been a work in progress since at least 2006, if not earlier. Trail building efforts have been led by someone who goes by the name of “whitebark” on various online hiking forums. We can only assume that whitebark is also responsible for the small signs posted along the trail, marking such destinations as “Whitebark’s Bivouac” and “Raven’s Roost.”

The roughly hewn trail begins between the trestle bridges that span Change Creek and Hall Creek. The first mile or so is on the steep side, beneath the cliffs that attract climbers from all over the state. Loose rock and soil is the norm as you switchback up the initial sections of narrow trail. As the forest and underbrush begin to thin, glimpses of Hall Creek Falls and I-90 give a taste of views to come. Eventually you’ll attain the ridgeline, and get a peek down at Change Creek before continuing up to Hall Point for some big views of the valleys below. To the west, you can see Mt. Teneriffe and Green Mountain, that’s Mailbox and the ridgeline of Dirty Harry’s Peak to the north, and to the east there’s the beginnings of Snoqualmie Pass.

From this point the trail continues up to the top of Mt. Washington, eventually connecting up with existing logging roads – though we opted not to push past Hall Point. Instead, we enjoyed the great views and the solitude before taking some time to explore the ridge and scramble around on the exposed rock.

This is a great approach to Mt. Washington, one that we will take the next time we do the summit. Hall Point was a perfect place to settle down for a snack after slogging up the rough switchbacks of the early sections of the trail. Although still going through growing pains that should subside with more boot traffic, the trail is able to very quickly deliver big views, making it rewarding for even the most causal of hiker.

To get there, take Exit 38 off I-90 and take a right. Follow the remnants of old US 10 for about a mile to a widening in the road opposite Change Creek. More than likely other cars will also be parked here. Park and cross the road to find a short path leading up to the Iron Horse Trail. Head left over the bridge for a few hundred yards to find the fledgling trail beginning behind a section of fence. A small sign labeling it the Change Creek Trail is just up the trail. - Nathan


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