NF-7030 to Stampede Pass

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4.8/5 (70 reviews)
Greenwater, Washington (Pierce County)
Last Updated: 11/18/2021

Trail Information

Highlights

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Overland Category Icon Overland
Snow Wheeling Category Icon Snow Wheeling
Stampede Pass is a mountain pass through the Cascade Range just south of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington. Its importance to transportation lies almost entirely with railroading, as no paved roads cross it. The pass was originally created to build and maintain the railways that traveled in both directions across the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. This route will take you over the pass on many different forest service roads. The roads are fairly well maintained, and the pass can be completed by any SUV or truck. The incredible views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountain range make this 30-mile trip well worth the time. The roads are wide enough for vehicles coming in the opposite direction to pass.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Stampede Pass is a mountain pass through the Cascade Range just North of Greewater, Washington. You can travel in both directions, (North and South) between Hwy 410 and I-90. It is comprised of many forest service roads (NF-7030, NF-7036, NF-7040, FS-52, FS-54, and FS-50). The roads are well maintained and easy to cross for any SUV or Truck. The views from the top are spectacular and make it well worth the 30 mile trip.

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (70)
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1200
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/30/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I have run this route in one way or another more times than I can count over the years. This is a nice drive that gets you up high with good views of Mt. Rainier and the Stuart Mountain Range. This is an easy route that most vehicles should be able to handle. The Tie Road (waypoints 11 to 13) used to be kind of rough but was cleaned up for the Norse Peak and Sawmill Creek fires in 2017. Today I followed the route from the 70rd until waypoint 11 where I went straight and down into the Naches area.
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200
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/28/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Took us 5h including 1.5h lunch break. Like other reviewers, did not need/use 4WD. Some areas are little rocky so definitely recommend AT tires or RT or MT.. bring spare just in case. It was weekend, so a lot of ATV and SUVs. I saw few Subaru and RAV4. Few spots are tight so make sure you drive accordingly. No cell service most of the time, so make sure to have CB just in case .. a lot of nice camping spots and views. Definitely we will go back soon.
Trail Review: NF-7030 to Stampede Pass - RS
Trail Review: NF-7030 to Stampede Pass - RS
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Visited: 08/12/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We enjoyed driving this trail. It has some great views/scenery. Many places to camp. Some of it is very easy wide trails, but some is a little narrower. In dry conditions I don't know if you even need 4 wheel drive. Having some decent clearance is helpful on some sections.
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100
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/15/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Really great drive! Mileage was a bit off for us. But the photos and descriptions were perfect and you really can’t get lost. I might suggest adding the little lake close to the end of the trail as a marker so folks know it’s there. Lots of dispersed camping available mid July. We will be back!
Trail Review: NF-7030 to Stampede Pass - AC
Trail Review: NF-7030 to Stampede Pass - AC
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/24/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Between waypoints 11-about 13 I’d rate it at a 2 instead of 1, rocks embedded in the road up to the size of a grapefruit or so. If I did it again I’d take the time to air down my tires a bit. Still easily manageable with a forester wilderness but a little tougher than anticipated from the rating. Awesome views of Rainier!
Trail Review: NF-7030 to Stampede Pass - Tracy Stampfle
Trail Review: NF-7030 to Stampede Pass - Tracy Stampfle
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