Sterling Munro Trail

The Sterling Munro Trail is an accessible out-and-back boardwalk through thick forest, from the northwest corner of the North Cascades Visitor Center to a Picket Range viewpoint. The complete mapped walk is about 0.15 mile round trip, or roughly 0.08 mile each way. The boardwalk itself is listed at 330 feet, so you may see shorter distance figures. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the walk and a look around. It’s easy, near-level, and more of a good stop than a half-day hike.

The trees part for jagged Picket Range peaks above the forested valley. Mount Ross still shows the pale scar left by the 2015 Goodell Fire, and you can glimpse Terror Glacier—the only glacier visible along SR 20 without a strenuous hike or climb. Frame the peaks with the trees to show how suddenly the view opens after the enclosed approach. The trail is named for Sanford Sterling Munro Jr., an aide to Senator Henry Jackson. Bring binoculars if you want to scan distant slopes for mountain goats; listen for Pacific wrens, varied thrushes and white-crowned sparrows.

The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and has benches and interpretive information at the overlook. Restrooms and drinking water are inside the Visitor Center, a separate stop. Dogs are allowed on this trail in Ross Lake National Recreation Area on a leash no longer than six feet. The view is the whole point, so low cloud can hide the peaks; if you’re after a longer hike, pick another trail.