Distance: 4 miles one way
Difficulty Level: easiest
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Suggested Maps: Green Trails: Washington Pass;
USGS: Silver Star & Mazama

Access: From Winthrop, take State Route 20 west about 18 miles to Klipchuck Campground. The trail begins between sites 7 and 8.

Route Description: The trail leaves Klipchuck Campground between spaces 7 and 8, and follows the north side of Early Winters Creek. The trail remains mostly level for 4 miles until it reaches State Route 20, directly across from Silver Star Creek.

Highlights: Since the trail is fairly level, it makes a good day hike from the campground. The trail is mostly in big timber along the creek bottom. This is a good trail for the mountain bike rider as one could park at Klipchuck, ride the trail to the highway, and complete the loop by riding back down the highway to the campground. When the North Cascades Highway was built in 1972, it basically followed the route of this old trail, and pieces of the old trail may still be seen from the road from Early Winters all the way to Marblemount. Miners, trappers, Forest Service workers, and recreationists used the old trail. Today, this 4-mile stretch is the only portion of the trail still maintained.

Specific Hazards/Difficulties: One should be on the lookout for the occasional rattlesnake in this area. Generally these creatures are timid and will leave long before you see them.

Restrictions: No motorized vehicles.

Trailhead Facilities: Vault toilets are available at the campground