Hike to Perry Creek Falls & Mount Forgotten Meadows

Granite Falls, Washington

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Details

Distance

11.5 miles

Elevation Gain

3700 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Rose Freeman

As a kid, did you dream of visiting the Great Valley from the Land Before Time like I did? If so, this adventure is for you. Old growth forest, wildflowers, blueberries, cascading waterfalls, peekaboo mountains, and panoramic views from Mount Forgotten Meadows are just a few highlights of this hike!

Most visitors park at this trailhead to hike Dickerman Mountain. Until this spring, so did I. However, don't overlook this stunning valley hike to Perry Creek, Mount Forgotten Meadows, and the scramble up Mount Forgotten!

Begin this hike on the Perry Creek trail, which begins on the far left side of the parking lot. The trail winds 1.3 miles through a mossy old growth forest and along an old forest road to the original trailhead. Continue on the soft gentle grade trail another 2 miles to Perry Creek Falls. This section of the trail passes through a stunning concentration of plants & flowers not found commonly in the Cascades! Parts of the lush trail are a little overgrown, but stay on the trail to protect this ecosystem. Perry Creek Falls at 3.3 miles is a great destination for young families!

The trail to Mount Forgotten meadows continues on 2 more miles and soon requires you to cross Perry Creek. Look for a cairn across the creek and carefully cross if the water is running high in early season. At this point, the trail takes a different shape. Steep switchbacks guide you up the mountainside and across a few more streams. Catch your breath and look through the trees to see the surrounding mountain peaks. When you reach the ridge, continue out through the trees and up to Mount Forgotten Meadows. Glacier Peak rises above the valley below and on a clear day you can see the Olympics to the west! There are several campsites and tarns at the meadow. In the fall, blueberries and huckleberries abound - and so do the local bears. Keep an eye out!

The climbers route to Mount Forgotten, a loose class 3 scramble with some serious exposure, begins after the meadows. Only continue on if you are an experienced climber!

*Side note: If you decide to glissade down from any slopes on this hike, please take off your microspikes / crampons. Glissading with traction devices can cause serious injury or puncture holes in your leg.

This trail has elements for explorers of all ages to enjoy. Happy hiking!

Check out my video of the hike!

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Features

Photography

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

River

Romantic

Scenic

Waterfall

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Hike to Perry Creek Falls & Mount Forgotten Meadows Reviews

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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