Collier Loop Part 3: Glacier Creek to Obsidian Trailhead

Middle Sister from Glacier Creek Meadow

Distance: 5.7 miles

Note: A permit is required for all hiking in camping in the Obsidian Area. You can find more about it here.

A continuation of Collier Loop Parts One and Two

The final stretch of the loop takes you along a refreshing creek, across more lava, and through several miles of mountain hemlock forest. As a bonus, it’s almost all downhill – which is largely appreciated after already hiking 9.4 miles.

I’ll admit that this wasn’t the most exciting part of the loop, or of the Obsidian Area, but it makes for a nice, relatively easy homeward journey.

Glacier Creek

From the charming meadows at the PCT-Glacier Creek junction, head .7 mile down Glacier Creek Trail to its junction with the Obsidian Trail. Going left at this fork would take you back to the PCT to see Obsidian falls. Heading straight/right continues the loop. 

Soon after, you’ll cross White Branch creek, a wide ford so shallow that barely the soles of your boots may get damp in the crossing. 

A lava flow immediately awaits the other side of the creek – and the only real uphill jaunt I remember on this section of the trail. As you descend the other side of the flow, be on the lookout for obsidian mingling in the boulders.

About 3.5 of tree-shaded trail leads to the Obsidian Trailhead. Just before reaching it, however, take a right on the well-marked Scott Trail connector. In .6 miles, the connector joins Scott trail. Head left/straight and it’s .3 miles to the car – the end of a 15.1-mile loop.

For more adventures in the High Cascades, check out my Cascade Crest page.

White Branch Creek