Bean Creek

Dogs Unknown

The mapped route follows the Bean Creek Trail from its junction with the Beverly Turnpike and then down to the junction with the Standup Trail.

About 1.3 miles from Beverly Turnpike, the trail will cross Bean Creek for a second time. Right after the crossing, there is a fork and a sign for Bean Creek Trail #1391.1 with one arrow pointing seemingly between the two trails. Go left to continue up Bean Creek into a meadow and then up to Bean Peak. The right fork climbs to a saddle on Earl Peak's south ridge. As the trail climbs, the tops of Stuart and Ingalls start to rise behind Bean Peak to the northwest. One of the upper switchbacks opens to a rocky slope with views of Rainier. At the top of the ridge, a trail to the north follows the ridgeline up to Earl Peak. Continue down the ridge on the other side to reach the Standup Trail.

The trail is very clear with good walking surfaces, though it is steep in parts. While it is pleasant enough in late summer, the best time is wildflower season. The trails up to Bean and Earl are very steep, with loose rock. Both require some scrambling to reach the summits. But the views from atop, or even just the near top, are well worth it.