Commonwealth Creek to Red Pass

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

This route takes you away from the PCT crowd on a fun, historically challenging trail with exceptional mountain views of the Glacier, Baker and the Central Cascades. Expect a less maintained trail experience and enjoy some solitude!

I'd recommend using the Hiking Project or onX Backcountry mobile app, in addition to routefinding skills if you attempt this run. There aren't many signs, so you need to recognize where you are in the landscape. That said, the trail is in good shape and makes for a fun journey.

This is an ideal trail for trail running, minus the scramble up Red Mountain (too steep). Plenty of the standard roots and rocks can be found here, with a relatively flat mid section along the creek. In theory, you could loop back on the PCT and do PCT-CCT loop repeats.

Starting at the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead, you'll run a very short distance then take an unsigned left on the Old Commonwealth Creek Trail. This turn is just past the horse/equestrian sign. Follow this trail up into the valley; don't miss the side trail to the left to reach a peaceful waterfall (listen for the water).

You'll cross the creek a few times and eventually link up with the more established section of the Commonwealth Creek Trail. There were several nice looking campsites along the creek section of trail.

Head up the trail and begin climbing up onto the flanks of Red Mountain. To the west, Snoqualmie Mountain will become visible.

You'll reach an intersection with a trail heading to the west; I'd recommend continuing north for 100 yards or so for a nice resting spot at Red Pond. Refill your water bottles here if you haven't already, then backtrack to the aforementioned intersection.

Keep heading west, and you'll soon come to a junction with the Red Mountain Summit Trail. This difficult 40-60 degree incline up the mountain is steep and difficult. If you choose to take this route, make sure you're prepared. As an alternative to the scramble up Red Mountain, you can continue on the Old Commonwealth Creek Trail, roughly where the scramble begins, but continue heading north, instead of starting the scramble. This will lead up to a ridge above Red Pond called Red Pass.

There is lots of brush near the start, but this transitions to old-growth pine forest after 0.5 miles or so. The meadows and rock slides near Red Pond are quite beautiful.