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2,080 ft
Distance
-123 ft
Descent
00:03:51
Avg time
-123 ft
Altitude change
2,379 ft
Altitude min
2,502 ft
Altitude max
2,502 ft
Altitude start
2,379 ft
Altitude end
-5.9%
Grade
-16.3%
Grade max
-2.7%
Grade min
2,080 ft
Distance down
00:03:51
Avg time
Pathfinder Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- E-Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaNorth Mountain
Darrington, Washington -
Difficulty Rating
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Local Popularity40 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 5 in E-Biking
- 5 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeDH, AM
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DirectionBoth DirectionsPopular In Reverse
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Climb DifficultyGreen
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Physical RatingEasy
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike AllowedYes up to Class 1
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Land OwnerWashington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Pathfinder is a short multi-use bi-directional trail that provides:
1) a shorter (and steeper) road climb to the summit than the main North Mtn Rd;
2) a low elevation loop for winter riding when the higher elevations are snowed out;
3) a way to connect lower Skyline to Quick Release or Lower Showcase Showdown for those seeking a more challenging alternative to lower Skyline; and...
4) a way to bail off of Showcase Showdown and hear over to Skyline if you've gotten in over your head.
Local Trail Association
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Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 4 rides
- 9 miles avg distance
All
- 46 rides
- Last: May 22, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Pathfinder Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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- > 90%
- > 80%
- > 70%
- > 50%
- < 50%
- bi-directional trail
- no data
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- < 1 week
- < 2 weeks
- < 1 month
- < 6 months
- > 6 months
Trail Ridden Direction
The intended direction a trail should be ridden.
- Downhill Only
- Downhill Primary
- Both Directions
- Uphill Primary
- Uphill Only
- One Direction
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Directions to pathfinder-229826 trailhead
(48.309520, -121.623900)
Photos
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Videos
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Routes with this trail
Shuttle Zone Climb Featured
★ 3.0 • 5 miles • 2,307 ft • 2 • Point to Point •
Preferred bike/e-bike climbing route from bottom of the shuttle zone to the lookout. Don't miss the right...
★ 3.0 • 11 miles • 3,290 ft • 11 • Point to Point •
Biking route from Darrington to the North Mtn Lookout/Summit.
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Nearby Trails
- Road Climb 797 ft
- Pathfinder Spur 1,024 ft
- Showcase Showdown (option) 1,158 ft
- Quick Release 1,923 ft
- Access Road 2,697 ft
- By I5-Troll
EMBA-Staff & contributors - #229826 - 1,454 views
Frequently Asked Questions About Pathfinder
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Where is Pathfinder located?
Pathfinder is located in North Mountain, Darrington, Washington, United States. It is part of the North Mountain trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 48.30952, -121.6239.
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How hard is Pathfinder?
Pathfinder is rated as Green difficulty. The physical rating is Easy. The average grade is 5.9%. The climb difficulty is rated Green.
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What is the elevation gain for Pathfinder?
The trail has 123 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 2,379 ft to 2,502 ft.
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Is Pathfinder a point to point trail?
Pathfinder is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
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