Duckabush River Trail 

Trail Through Ancient Forest

Jim Patterson

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map

Notices:

• For the most up to date information on how to obtain a Wilderness Permit visit our Wilderness Backpacking Reservations page.

 

Description

Ecosystem type: Lowland forest, montane forest
Trail tread types: Lower level of maintenance
General elevation trend: Mild to steep
Unique features: River, ancient forest
Level of difficulty: Mild to difficult
Distance: 16.1 miles from park boundary to O'Neil Pass, 6.2 from trailhead to park boundary
Elevation change: 1550 feet at park boundary to 4950 feet at O'Neil Pass
Best Season: Below 2000 feet can be snow free year-round High Elevations—early July through October.

 

Camping
Food Storage Method: Bear canisters are required.
Campsites: 10-Mile Camp, Upper Duckabush, Marmot Lake
Toilet Facilities: 10-Mile Camp, Upper Duckabush, and Marmot Lake. Elsewhere bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: Duckabush River and nearby streams. Always boil, filter, or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia infection.
Stock: Allowed to junction with Home Sweet Home Trail. See Stock Use.

 

Special Concerns

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in established sites or on bare ground.
Campfires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are prohibited above 3,500 feet. Where fires are allowed, leave no trace of your fire ring. Burn dead and down wood only.
Respect Wildlife: To protect bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage, and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day, unless they are being transported, consumed, or prepared for consumption.

 

Safety

• Always carry the 10 Essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and rain gear with warm clothes.
• Map & compass navigation skills may be necessary in places along this trail. Snow may cover higher reaches of this trail in any season, so know how to navigate without a trail for guidance.
• Ice axe and self-arrest skills are necessary to cross mountain passes when they are snow covered.
• Let someone know where and when you are taking your hike. Make emergency plans for them to follow if you do not return.
• Watch the weather before and during your hike. Storms move quickly. Always check weather forecasts before your trip and watch weather closely during your trip.

 

To see recent trail reports, visit our Trail Conditions page.

 

Duckabush River Valley

NPS Pablo McLoud

 

Upper Duckabush View

NPS Pablo McLoud