Place · 0.6 mi away
Overview
A quick, peaceful leg-stretcher right off Highway 20, Happy Creek Forest Walk is a short boardwalk loop through mossy old-growth with the creek murmuring alongside. It’s an easy win for families or anyone craving a quiet forest fix without committing to a big hike.
What You’ll See on the Loop
Expect towering cedar and hemlock, thick moss, and the soft soundtrack of Happy Creek for about half the loop. Benches offer stop-and-soak-it-in moments, and interpretive signs give context to what you’re walking through. It’s shaded, cool, and photogenic in that moody North Cascades way.
Optional Spur to Happy Creek Falls
From the far side of the loop, a much steeper spur climbs toward Happy Creek Falls. It’s a short outing on paper (roughly 2–2.5 miles round trip beyond the loop) but punches above its weight with steady grade, loose rock, and tight switchbacks. You’ll traverse above the highway (expect some road noise), catch peek‑a‑boo views of Ross Lake and Jack Mountain, and pass remnants of old sawmill equipment near the falls. The waterfall is a series of cascades tucked in a narrow gully—best in spring and late fall; by late summer it can shrink to a trickle.
History Snapshot
Look for relics of a late‑1800s sawmill along the falls spur—this little pocket of forest once supported nearby mining with timber milled right here.
Getting There & Parking
The trailhead sits near the Ross Lake area along State Route 20, around milepost 134.6. Parking is on the south side of the road near Ross Lake Overlook and is limited. There’s a vault/composting toilet at the trailhead and an interpretive sign with a simple map.
Best Time to Visit
- For quiet: This stop is generally uncrowded, but limited parking means early mornings are your safest bet.
- For waterfalls: Aim for spring or late fall when flows are fuller. Late summer is hit‑or‑miss.
- Conditions: The boardwalk can be slick when wet, snowy, or icy—tread carefully.
Trail Tips
- Footwear matters: Wear shoes with grip for the damp boardwalk and sturdy soles for the rocky falls spur.
- Wayfinding: The spur junction to the falls is subtle—watch for the small sign partway around the loop.
- Pace yourself: The falls spur is short but steep; bring water and take the switchbacks steady.
Pros
- Serene old-growth boardwalk with benches and creek views
- Optional steep spur to Happy Creek Falls with historic sawmill relics
Cons
- Limited roadside parking
- Boardwalk gets slick when wet or frosty
Tips
- Look for the small trailhead sign around milepost 134.6 on SR 20.
- Arrive early; the roadside parking area is small and fills quickly.
- Wear traction shoes—the boardwalk can be slick when wet or frosty.
- Expect some road noise on the falls spur as it traverses above the highway.
- For the best waterfall show, time your visit for spring or late fall.
