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Parking is basically a pull-out. So be prepared. The trail begins immediately. Also worth noting, there is a hill of mud that has to be climbed on this hike. It’s slick, and the possibility of ending up covered in mud is great.

A word of caution. This trailhead has become notorious for break-ins. Do not leave anything of value in the rig. Some hikers simply leave their doors open rather than have their windows shattered by those in search of booty.

Distance: 2 miles

Destination: Frog Lake

Difficulty: Moderate because of mud

Elevation gain: 400 feet

Getting there: From Darrington, head southeast on Mountain Loop Highway for about three miles. A half-mile past the boundary to the National Forest is the trailhead and parking area. The parking area is a wide spot on the right. It is before the Clear Creek bridge and after the entrance to the Clear Creek Campground.

The Trek: After parking, find the trailhead up the hill.

From the start, it’s an uphill trek. It isn’t long before roaring Clear Creek lies far below. Continue through a couple of switchbacks as the trail narrows and becomes less than single track.

As summer progresses, the thick growth of stinging nettles is only going to increase. Even now, there are plenty. They fight for space with an assortment of ferns.

Massive Douglas fir trees dominate the canopy. Many boast long, drooping strands of old-man’s beard moss.

After a narrow section of trail, the way opens up. Make your way around a downed tree and continue on.

A much larger tree that suffered the same fate lies ahead. Hikers will have to maneuver underneath it. Going around or over is not an option.

Cross a small footbridge spanning a babbling brook. About a quarter-mile farther, look for a trail that leads to the left.

The trail leads to a precarious perch overlooking the gorge that contains Clear Creek. There are no fences or warning signs here. Step lightly.

Far below, Clear Creek crashes over and around massive boulders. Another overlook has been fenced off to make it safe.

Basically, this is the highlight of the trip.

Since Frog Lake is the destination, slog on. The trail runs in a dry creek bed before a gravel road is met. Watch for logging trucks.

Head left on the logging road, then left on an old, swampy bog of a road.

It’s muddy to start with and only gets worse as you continue. The road is bordered by swamps full of skunk cabbage. A summer’s worth of high temperatures may not even dry this route out.

The road ends at a deep mud hole and a nearly unscaleable hillside of muck. The hill of mud is steep, slick and there’s nothing to grab onto but stinging nettles.

It took several attempts that ended with boots, legs and hands covered with mud before the hill was conquered. Needless to say, the return trip was an absolute circus.

Frog Lake is just over the muddy incline. It really isn’t worth the sweat and mud. So take it for what it’s worth, then head back to the rig.