Newton Creek Trail #646

This is a straightforward trail that is most useful for making great loops with Timberline Trail #600, Umbrella Falls #667, Sahalie Falls Trail #667C, and Elk Meadows Trail #645. In fact, to get to this trail from the main trailhead you'll need to take Sahalie Falls Trail #667C 0.4 miles and then Elk Meadows Trail #645 for another 2/3 a mile. From Elk Meadows Trail this trail heads northwest along Newton Creek's wide gorge at a very modest grade. There will be multiple nice views of Hood over the creek's boulder field near the beginning of the trail. These viewpoints exist because the creek is rapidly eroding the bank - and the trail. Be mindful of drop offs. The middle of the trail is nondescript forest with the potential for a lot of tree-fall as this trail gets less use and thus less maintenance than it's neighbors. The final third of the trail gains elevation much quicker and will soon exit the forest. This dusty section offers some nice views. Near the end of the trail there is a huge eroded slide all the way down to Newton Creek that threats to eat away the entire trail. Be very mindful of the edge here! The trail ends at Timberline Trail #600 between Newton Creek and Clark Creek.