Pete's Creek Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

The first two-thirds of this trail are entirely runnable and fun. The last section, however, is steep even for a mountain goat.

This difficult trail leads into beautiful temperate rain forest within the Colonel Bob Wilderness. After about a mile, cross Pete's Creek. The trail soon becomes more challenging as it heads up the western flank of Gibson Peak. Cross a large slope and enjoy views of the Humptulips Valley. Continue up the zigzagging, rugged trail, which is maintained to 2.4 miles and down to Mulkey Shelter.

In total, this trail gains over 2,300 feet in 2.4 miles where it junctions with the Colonel Bob Trail #851, which leads to the summit of Colonel Bob Peak in an additional 1.8 miles.

Beautiful temperate rain forest. Towering conifers including Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, western hemlock and western red cedar provide dense shade for this trail. The forest floor is covered with lush rain forest plants.