Happy Creek Forest Walk

The Happy Creek Forest Walk is a short and very enjoyable nature trail located in Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which is part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. It is found directly along the North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20) at approximately milepost 134.3, just east of the Ross Dam Trailhead. The parking area is on the south side of the highway between mileposts 134 and 135.

The main Happy Creek Forest Walk is an easy 0.3-mile loop that travels through a beautiful stand of old-growth forest. Much of the route follows an accessible boardwalk, making this one of the easiest opportunities along the North Cascades Scenic Highway to experience the thick forests of the western North Cascades. Towering trees, moss-covered logs, ferns and dense vegetation surround the trail, while Happy Creek flows alongside a portion of the loop. Interpretive signs along the route help explain the ecology of this ancient creekside forest.

We really enjoy stops like Happy Creek because they provide a completely different experience than the big mountain overlooks found farther up the highway. Instead of distant peaks and large reservoirs, this short walk gets visitors down into the cool, shaded forest where they can appreciate the smaller details of the North Cascades.

Visitors wanting a longer hike can also take the Happy Creek Falls extension, which branches away from the boardwalk and continues approximately 2 miles round trip farther up the mountainside toward Happy Creek Falls. This portion is considerably more strenuous than the main accessible loop.

Because Happy Creek Forest Walk is located only a short distance east of the Diablo Lake Overlook and near the Ross Dam Trailhead and Ross Lake viewpoints, it is an easy stop to include while driving the North Cascades Scenic Highway. The short distance, accessible boardwalk and beautiful old-growth forest make it a worthwhile addition to any drive through this incredibly scenic area.