Upper Snow Creek

Upper Snow Creek (Forest Road 5078) is a mixed-condition forest road that climbs Meadow Mountain in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It begins as a well-graded gravel road but transitions to rough dirt partway along and becomes larger loose rock approximately 1.5 miles from the summit. The upper section becomes increasingly challenging, with two steep, narrow, and overgrown switchbacks near the top. The final switchback stretches about one-third of a mile and is heavily off-camber in places, bordered by dense brush and steep drop-offs. This section is only suitable for very narrow, high-clearance, or singletrack vehicles and may require reversing a significant distance if the turnaround at the end cannot be reached.

The road offers beautiful views the entire way, but Mt Rainier becomes visible the higher you climb, particularly as you rise above the surrounding foothills. Upper Snow Creek intersects the Stirrup Lake Trail at the southwest end, roughly 1 mile from the Pacific Crest Trail. Parking at this location is minimal, barely enough for one vehicle without blocking the road. Dispersed camping is available at several points along the route, including a scenic site near a small lake by the trail junction, a few primitive spur roads, and a beautiful mountaintop clearing at the very end of the road offering a direct view of Mount Rainier.