Plan with
Confidence
The usual federal wilderness area regulations and restrictions apply here. There may also be additional wilderness-specific restrictions in force; check with the district office if in doubt. Practice Leave No Trace (LNT) backcountry skills and ethics. Camp 100 feet from fragile areas; bury human waste at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. This trail is usually closed by snow from November to June.
Path Type
Point to Point
From the trailhead at Cultus Creek Campground, this trail ascends 1000 feet in 2 miles, then the grade eases as the trail skirts the base of Bird Mountain. At 5,100 feet elevation, the trail passes through several small meadows with spectacular wildflower displays in the Spring. The trail passes the short side trail (#33A) that descends to Deep Lake, then continues to a saddle viewpoint below Lemei Rock. The main trail continues past the shore of Cultus Lake, then drops down to end on the Pacific Crest Trail (USFS #2000) near Deer Lake.
From here, the PCT can be followed north to its junction with the Cultus Creek Trail #108 which can be taken back to the Cultus Creek Trailhead to complete a popular loop hike or backpack. This trail offers abundant huckleberries and limited views of Mt. Rainier, the Goat Rocks, Sawtooth Mountain, and Sleeping Beauty. Mosquitos can be bad in the summer months; Fall is usually an ideal time to visit.
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