Overnite Bear Basin now Beverly Turnpike 7 miles round trip Teanaway

To experience that first heady rush of summer, consider the Beverly-Turnpike Trail, a trail seemingly designed for us light-deprived folks who endure long winters on the western slopes. This hike has plenty of sun (though sudden thunderstorms can boil up out of nowhere and drive climbers off the peaks in a hurry), plenty of flowers and views.

The Beverly-Turnpike Trail crosses a boisterous stream and climbs gently through forest before entering open basins with views of Iron Peak, Teanaway Peak, Volcanic Neck and Bean Peak -- all with the snowy peaks of the Enchantments as a backdrop.
The flowers are profuse -- we saw lupine, pasque flowers, arnica, and phlox. If it is a cloudy day and the peaks are hidden, climb into a flower guide and learn a new flower -- lupine, for example. Sometimes called the sundial plant, the leaves of the lupine follow the sun's path from dawn until dusk.

The birds are singing like crazy and the sweet scent of pine will almost knock you off your feet if the views don't. The climax of this 3-1/2-mile hike is Beverly-Turnpike Pass

Trail detail
The trail begins climbing through an ancient clearcut and within a quarter of a mile reaches the junction for the Bean Creek Trail. This year the water is high but, aided by walking sticks, we managed to cross on logs. Small children will need help in getting across. If the water is too high, stay on the Bean Creek Trail for an easier crossing upstream and hike back down to the junction along the creek or hike to Bean Basin, an equally satisfying summer hike. Cross the stream and begin climbing through the forest with views of Beverly Creek below. The trail follows the creek through rock gardens, with improving views every step of the way. Shortly after the Fourth Creek junction at 2-1/2 miles, Beverly Creek is crossed again before reaching Beverly-Turnpike Pass at 3-1/2 miles, the ideal spot for lunching and feasting on views of Mount Stuart

Getting there
Drive Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass, drive through or bypass Cle Elum and turn off on the North Fork Teanaway River Road, drive to 29 Pines Campground (end of pavement). Drive 3-1/2 miles and look for the Beverly Creek Road going off to the right just before a bridge and drive to the road's end at 3,600 feet.