Rock Creek Trail #1013.1

This less-traveled trail leads out to one of the largest waterfalls in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Total Distance: 12.6 miles
Total Ascent: 2800ft (2700ft in; 100ft out)
Highest Point: 4100ft
Difficulty: Hard
Our Hiking Time: 6h 20m
Required Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
To get there, take Exit 34 off I-90 and take a left on 468th Ave. Follow the road past the truck stop for about a half-mile until you reach SE Middle Fork Road, also known as Forest Road 56. Continue to follow the twists in the road until the pavement runs out. Continue on FR 56 for 12 miles, crossing the Taylor River. Once across, FR 56 veers to the right while the Taylor River Road continues another quarter mile to the Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead. Veer right and continue for about five miles to the Dingford Creek Trailhead. View Google Directions >>
From the Dingford Creek Trailhead, drop down and cross the river, before joining up with the Middle Fork Trail. Keep left, eventually crossing Wildcat Creek and connecting up with the old railroad grade for at time before reaching Rock Creek. At 3.5 miles, find the signed junction to the Rock Creek Trail 1013.1.

The trail is steep, rough, and rocky. It steadily climbs up the creek basin in a long series of tight switchbacks. Watch as waters flow out of Snow Lake and cascade almost 1200ft down to the basin. This is not an easy hike, though it is a great alternative approach to Snow Lake that exchanges the crowds for an impressive waterfall.

There's a lot more to Rock Creek, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!