18 Little Jack Trail
A very long day hike from Washington Highway 20, 14.8 miles round-trip, or a more manageable day trip from the East Bank Trail, 9.2 miles round-trip.
Best season: Early July to mid-October.
Elevation gain: 4,130 feet.
Elevation loss: None.
Maximum elevation: 6,060 feet.
Topo maps: Ross Dam, Crater Mountain; Diablo Lake, Mount Logan.
Jurisdiction: Ross Lake National Recreation Area.
Finding the trailhead: The trail can be reached via a 2.8-mile hike on the East Bank Trail from its trailhead at mile 138.2 on Washington Highway 20.
The Hike
This odd little trail climbs from Ruby Pasture to the top of a lofty spur ridge for excellent views of Jack and Crater Mountains. The trail can be approached as a long and difficult day hike from the East Bank Trailhead on WA 20, or more reasonably as a side trip for backpackers based out of Ruby Pasture or Hidden Hand camps. The old campsite at the end of the trail has been closed permanently for rehabilitation. Bring plenty of drinking water; the only surface water along the way is provided by high alpine rills that run only during early summer.
To begin the trek from the highway, follow the East Bank Trail across Ruby Creek and then head westward along the Ruby Arm of Ross Lake. Upon reaching the junction at Ruby Pasture, make two consecutive right turns as the Little Jack Trail charts a rather faint and unkempt course eastward through the forest. It soon begins to zigzag upward through Douglas fir, and tall underbrush limits views through the trees. After a substantial climb, the trail reaches arid, south-facing slopes where grassy meadows provide views of Ruby Mountain and the crags of Elija Ridge. Looking westward, Davis Peak stands sentinel over the Skagit Valley. It is a long and wearisome slog, growing steeper with each passing mile. On a sunny day, hot temperatures on these open slopes can pose a very real health hazard; drink plenty of water.
The trail ultimately ascends into the subalpine zone, where spire-shaped subalpine firs replace the Douglas fir found on the drier slopes below. The openings now contain lush swards of wildflowers, highlighted by lupine, Indian paintbrush, and tiger lily. The trail continues to zigzag upward, yielding glimpses of Ross Lake. Intermittent streams may offer water here during early summer; be sure to purify it before drinking. After gaining most of its elevation, the trail turns east and levels off, traversing meadow-strewn slopes and wooded spur ridges. A final walk through the forest leads to a spectacular overlook high above Crater Creek. The stark summit of Crater Mountain rises directly across the void, while the majestic south face of Jack Mountain presides over alpine parklands to the north.
The official trail ends here, but a well-trodden way trail continues northward along the ridgetop, visiting swales and pocket meadows filled with heather and dwarf blueberry. This path soon peters out amid a tangle of game trails at the base of an imposing hillock.
Miles and Directions
0.0Junction with East Bank Trail near Ruby Pasture. Little Jack Trail climbs eastward.
4.6Trail peters out at viewpoint of Jack Mountain.
Jack Mountain from the Little Jack Trail