Bald Eagle Mountain via Curry Gap

Please consult with the Forest Service for current road and trail conditions.  The North Fork Sauk road is prone to having some problems every winter and this particular trail sees very little traffic - plan ahead.

This trail does lead to Dishpan Gap and can be turned into somewhat of loop by connecting with the Pilot Ridge trail and coming out at the abandoned Sloan Creek campground about three miles from the Bald Eagle Mountain trailhead.  Other options for multi-day trips exist. Consult other guides and maps for options.

Drive past the abandoned Sloan Creek Campground approximately 3 miles to the Bald Eagle Mountain Trailhead at Elevation 2400 ft.  

The first 2.5 miles of this trail are on a converted road.  Pass several waterfalls in this stretch of trail.  Depending on the time of the year they may be somewhat of a disappointment if waterfalls are your thing. The last 1.5 miles to Curry Gap are in forest.  Reach the gap at elevation 4000 ft and a trail junction with the Quartz Creek Trail.  Wildflowers fill the gap during the summer. This could be the last water you see for quite some time so fill up.  Several potential camps are also present.

Go left up the Bald Eagle Mountain Trail. In the next 2 miles you will gain 1200 ft of elevation over several switchbacks.  Openings in the forest provide views of Cadet, Sloan, Kyes, and Monte Cristo Peaks as well as the Pride Basin.  Most of these openings contain wildflowers, berries or both! Bald Eagle Mountain is a good spot to turn around unless you are a strong hiker or are planning an overnight.

If possible I do recommend continuing over the ridge.  As you pop out on the north side you see a commanding view of Glacier Peak across Pilot ridge.  This is where I would call it a day and contemplate just how long I can sit here before I have to leave.  If you are fortunate and strong enough consult Spring and Manning's Glacier Peak guide or their Classic Hikes in Washington guide for multi-day options through Dishpan Gap or see the White Pass - Pilot Ridge trip described on The Outbound for the other half of the loop exiting at the abandoned Sloan Creek Campground.

This trip is described as a day hike.  Water is scarce once you start up Bald Eagle Mountain and the heat can be oppressive at times so make sure that you fill up with water before you leave Curry Gap.  

Northwest Forest Pass Required.