North Fork Bridge Creek Trail

The path tracks the east side of North Fork Bridge Creek. Walker Park is roughly two miles from the junction; Grizzly Creek Camp is about two miles farther, followed by the climb toward the meadows. The early miles are mostly shaded, with glimpses opening as the valley widens. Brush can overhang the tread and soak you after rain, and flies or mosquitoes can be persistent in summer. At Grizzly Creek, the water has reached calf depth on some visits; a log crossing downstream has been an option, but it is not a guaranteed safe crossing.

The reward is a broad meadow beneath Mount Goode, with waterfalls and the surrounding glaciated peaks. The valley also opens toward Mount Logan and the ridge country near Storm King. This is not a summit route: the turn-around is in the high valley. For a phone photo, keep the creek low in the frame so it gives scale to the meadow and mountain wall.

For a shorter taste, turn around at Walker Park for roughly four miles on the spur. Walker Park and Grizzly Creek are established backcountry camps, useful if you are already carrying overnight gear; a limited NPS backcountry permit is required for any overnight stay. Leashed pets may use the PCT approach, but pets are not allowed on this North Fork trail. Bring the food and water-treatment gear you need for a remote route.

The trail begins at a remote junction, not a road. Add about 6 miles round trip from High Bridge in Stehekin, or around 20 miles from the SR 20 trailhead. Those approaches make this best as a side trip on a PCT backpacking itinerary unless you are prepared for a very long day.