Mountain Climbing Areas

• Baker Lake / Middle Fork Nooksack

  Drive east on State Route 20 to the Baker River Highway and beautiful Baker Lake. The area around this nine-mile reservoir features camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking and pack and saddle trips.

  Developed campgrounds are located on the western side of the lake.

  The Baker Lake Trail is an easy family hike. It extends along the eastern shoreline, crossing Baker River at the north end of the lake.

  Mt. Baker National Recreation Area (NRA)
  This impressive mountain landscape on the southeast flanks of Mt. Baker’s slopes offers year-round recreational fun. During summer months, hikers and stock parties share trails leading off from the end of Forest Service road 13 or through the Middle Fork and South Fork Nooksack River drainages. Winter recreation includes cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

  Explore the Skagit Wild and Scenic River System
  Segments of the Skagit, Sauk, Suiattle and Cascade rivers make up the federally designated Skagit Wild & Scenic River system.

  Baker Lake Sockeye Season

  Sockeye season could open as early as July and fishing enthusiasts will be flocking to Baker Lake. 

  • Parking and guidelines

  Baker Lake / Middle Fork Nooksack Recreation Area Map

• Boulder Ridge Trail 605

  Climbers use this trail as an approach to Mt. Baker Summit which is within Mt. Baker Wilderness.The route is muddy, brushy and difficult to follow beyond two miles as the trail is not maintained beyond the two-mile mark. The trail wanders through the forest for two miles and turns into a boot path. Continue climbing through the forest and eventually break out on the Boulder Moraine.  Follow the trail through the moraine to the base of the cliff at Boulder Ridge. You will need to climb the cliff to access the ridge. 

  The ridge offers open meadows and excellent views of Mt. Baker and the Boulder Glacier.

  See also:

  • Boulder Glacier Climbing Route
  • Mt. Baker climbing information.
• Boulder Ridge Trailhead
• Mt. Baker National Recreation Area
• Park Butte Trail 603

  Enjoy incredible views of Mt. Baker and its glaciers throughout the length of this trail. 

  Start in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area and quickly enter the lush Schriebers Meadow. The Scott Paul Trail junction is about 100 feet from the trailhead on the right. Continue past the junction and wander through waist-high huckleberries and the heather of Schriebers Meadow.  This trail section has views of Survey Point to the east and is a great two-mile round trip for families.

  Next you will reach Rocky Creek and a challenging crossing during periods of heavy runoff. After the first mile climb and switchback through the forest, reaching the second junction with Scott Paul Trail 603.1. Stay left at the junction to continue along Park Butte Trail to Morovitz Meadows. The expansive views offered at the open meadows make this a popular rest spot.

  At the next junction take the fork to the right to Railroad Grade Trail 603.2 for designated camp sites at Railroad Camp, High Camp and Sandy Camp. Stay left to go to the Park Butte Lookout. Cathedral Camp is near the next trail junction. Stay left at this junction for Park Butte, or head west to Mazama Park and the Bell Pass Trail 603.3 with established campsites for stock and hikers. The trail levels out some and passes above picturesque Pocket Lake on the left. The last half-mile climbs steeply to the lookout at 5,400 feet elevation and enters the Mt. Baker Wilderness.

• Shannon Ridge Trail 742

  This trail is frequently used by climbers attempting to summit 9,127-foot Mt. Shuksan via the Sulphide Glacier in the North Cascades National Park. The first 1.5 miles of trail is converted from an old logging road., The trail then switchbacks though an old timber harvest area. At 2 miles the trail condition deteriorates as it winds steeply up through dense forest. In another mile the trail breaks out onto Shannon Ridge at 4,600 feet, offering spectacular views of Mt. Shuksan, Mt Baker and Baker Lake. The trail continues along the open ridge to the National Park boundary.

  Campsites are available along the ridge.  Bring Blue Bags or another Leave No Trace approved method to pack out solid human waste. The route enters the North Cascades National Park approximately 0.5 miles up the ridge. 

  WTA Trip Reports

• Shannon Ridge Trailhead
• Mountain Loop Scenic Byway

  Linking Darrington with Granite Falls is the Mountain Loop Highway National Forest Scenic Byway, which was first pioneered in 1891 by miners` dreams. Later developed as a road by loggers and members of the CCC, this road was designated a Scenic Byway in 1991. Today`s roadway passes 55 miles through boom-and-bust town sites and abandoned claims, as well as rushing rivers and glacier-clad peaks. Although the tracks are gone and the daily whistle silenced, today`s traveler can still see remnants of times gone by.

  Discover the Verlot Public Service Center, near the South Fork Stillaguamish River. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1942, Verlot`s handsome buildings reflect the architectural style and fine craftsmanship of that era and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Operating seasonally, the center`s employees will help you plan an outing.

  With snow lingering at Barlow Pass through late spring, driving the entire loop is usually limited to late spring through the fall. The road is paved from Verlot to Barlow Pass and from Darrington to the junction with the White Chuck River Road. The middle portion (14 miles) is a single-lane gravel road.

  Recreation Area Map

  National Scenic Byway

• Neiderprum Trail 653
• Perry Creek Trail 711
• Sloan Peak Trail 648

  From the trailhead follow an old road briefly on the flats approaching the North Fork Sauk River. There is no bridge across the river and an often difficult ford is required to continue. This trail receives sporadic maintenance. Be prepared for windfalls and brush.

  After crossing the river, climb steeply through timber to enter Henry M. Jackson Wilderness in about a mile and cross Cougar Creek near large falls in two miles. Crossing can sometimes be difficult during times of heavy snowmelt. From here cross a recent avalanche path where the trail has been obliterated, creating difficult cross-country travel but impressive views. Beyond the slide area ascend into meadows at the base of Sloan Peak with good views and the turn-around point for hikers.   

  Washington Trails Association

  • Trip Reports
• Sloan Peak Trailhead
• Sunrise Mine Trail 707

  Begin hiking in the forest to a very difficult ford of the South Fork Stillaguamish River at 0.5 miles and climb steeply to the ridge between Morning Star and Sperry Peaks. This trail is rough in places, but one of the most rugged and beautiful areas on the district. Mountain climbers use it to access climbing Morning Star, Sperry, Vesper and Del Campo Peaks. The trail is covered with snow until midsummer.

  From the upper portion of the trail experience views of the surrounding basin and valley. Rock cairns mark the trail in the upper basin.

  Hikers should use caution just below Headlee Pass: This steep, narrow, rocky chute is notorious for falling rocks.   

  WTA trip reports

• Sunrise Mine Trailhead
• Three Fingers Lookout
• Three Fingers-Goat Flats-Saddle Lake Trail 641
• Weden Creek (Gothic Basin) Trail 724
• Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542)

  The Heather Meadows area is always open for use, but is snow covered in the winter and spring. Mt. Baker Highway is only open to Artist Point seasonally.  Check the Washington Department of Transportation website for current conditions.  

  Starting at the northern boundaries of the forest, take a drive on the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway (State Route 542). This paved road starts at the Interstate 5 interchange in Bellingham, Wash., winds along the scenic North Fork Nooksack River, and climbs to an elevation of 5,140 feet to its well-named destination, Artist Point. This area is legendary for its spectacular views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. Stop by the Glacier Public Service Center just east of Glacier at milepost 34 to learn about current forest road and trail conditions.

  Mt. Baker - A State Scenic Highway and National Forest Scenic Byway
  State Route 542 is a Washington State Scenic Highway and a National Forest Scenic Byway. The forest byway begins just east of the town of Glacier as the route enters the national forest, leading travelers to historic Heather Meadows, home of the Mt. Baker Ski Area. Forest roads lead off the main highway into the heart of the national forest with trails accessing the Mt. Baker Wilderness and North Cascades National Park backcountry.

  Four Seasons of Recreation
  During summer months, Mt. Baker's 10,781 foot snow-covered peak rises above the landscape. On a clear day, several vantage points offer spectacular views of neighboring Mt. Shuksan and surrounding slopes of the Cascade Mountain range. Hikers can head out on more than 200 miles of trails and campers can enjoy long evenings in rustic settings. The fall months bring cooler temperatures and lower snow levels, limiting hiking access to the high country. Several side roads are groomed, turning them into a winter playland for snowmobiles and cross-country skiers. During winter months the Mt. Baker Ski Area operates in Heather Meadows at the end of the byway.

  Heather Meadows
  Heather and huckleberry meadows dotting the Heather Meadows landscape near the eastern end of the Mount Baker Scenic Byway, (State Route 542). Glistening lakes nestle between knolls. Ridges bristle with 900-year-old mountain hemlock. Lava flows from Mount Baker have resisted glacial carving and columns of andesite stand like black anvils against the sky. During the summer months enjoy a picnic, stroll the trails and stop by the Heather Meadows Visitor Center for a historical perspective of the area’s rich heritage.

  Recreation Area Map

  National Scenic Byway

• Goat Mountain Trail 673

  The south-facing Goat Mountain Trail is one of the first in the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway area to melt, making it a good early summer hike with beautiful flowering meadows. Start by switch-backing steadily up through the forest, catching peek-a-boo looks at the views. At approximately two miles the trail enters the Mt. Baker Wilderness. The maintained trail ends at approximately 5,400' on the shoulder of Goat Mountain. On a clear day, take in panoramic views of icy Price Lake at the base of Price Glacier on Mt. Shuksan. A steep scramble, recommended for experienced hikers only, one mile up to 1,500 feet of elevation leads to the top of Goat Mountain and even more far-reaching views.

• Goat Mountain Trailhead
• Hannegan Pass Trail 674

  Start out in second growth forest, which quickly opens to grand views of the Ruth Creek Valley within Mt. Baker Wilderness. The trail grade is fairly level for the first mile and then begins a gentle climb for the next 2.5 miles. In early summer see numerous waterfalls and the occasional avalanche cascade down the steep cliffs of the Mt. Sefrit and the Nooksack Ridge to the south. The white dome of Ruth Mountain appears after the first mile. Open views are almost continuous as the trail only briefly enters small patches of forest. Approximately a half mile below the pass is the turnoff to the right for the Hannegan Camp. To continue to the pass, stay left, as the trail steeply switchbacks through sub-alpine forest.

  At Hannegan Pass, encounter a signed junction with Hannegan Peak Trail 674.1, which gains 1,200 feet in one mile to the summit of Hannegan Peak. To the east is an unmaintained mountaineering route leading to Ruth Mountain and Icy Peak. One mile north of Hannegan Pass the trail enters the North Cascades National Park. This is the first leg of the very popular Copper Ridge loop. The trail also accesses Whatcom Pass, Easy Ridge, an extended trip across the North Cascades Picket Range to Ross Lake Reservoir, and other less traveled locations in the North Cascades National Park.

  There is one dispersed campsite with a picnic table and fire ring, and a day-use shelter located at the trailhead but no vehicular access to that site due to a washout this is the only site available at this location

• Hannegan Peak Trail #674.1
• Lake Ann Trail #600

  Beginning at Austin Pass, the Lake Ann Trail enters the Mount Baker Wilderness as it switchbacks down into the headwaters of the Swift Creek Drainage. Bordered by Shuksan Arm to the north and Artist Ridge to the south, you will travel through meadows and wooded areas. Approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead is a signed junction with  Swift Creek Trail #607.

  As you begin to climb out of the Swift Creek drainage through heather, talus slopes and subalpine forest, Mt. Baker comes into view. You will reach a saddle above Lake Ann. Dropping down toward the lake, you will encounter an unsigned junction. The left fork leads to the popular Fisher Chimneys route for climbers attempting to summit Mt. Shuksan. The right fork leads to lakeside campsites.

  Lake Ann hikers are rewarded with up-close views of Mt. Shuksan and its Lower and Upper Curtis Glaciers. Listen for the thunderous roar that means a chunk of ice has broken off one of the glaciers and is tumbling down the rock face.

• Ptarmigan Ridge Trail #682.1
• Heliotrope Ridge Trail #677

  This popular trail within Mt. Baker Wilderness leads you from dense old growth forest to flower filled avalanche chutes and over rocky moraines to the snowy alpine zone. The trail crosses Grouse Creek on a stout bridge and then enters dense forest, climbing steadily. The forest begins to thin as you climb higher and huckleberries are abundant along the trail. Just below the tree line is the former site of the Kulshan Cabin. Above the tree line the terrain is rocky with herbaceous vegetation and numerous streams. Mt. Baker looms above. About two miles from the trailhead you will find a trail junction. The right fork steeply climbs 1,000 feet in one mile to the Hogsback Camp at the base of the Coleman-Deming climbing route to Mt. Baker's 10,781 ft. summit. Staying left, the trail reaches the most difficult of the trail’s stream crossings. Hikers not wishing to ford this stream must use the climber’s route if they want views of the glacier. If you cross the creek you will continue east to a lateral moraine deposited by receding glaciers. From this overlook, the Coleman Glacier is an awesome sight, spilling down Mt. Baker's flanks into a jumble of ice. Look carefully down in the ice blocks (seracs), climbers are often seen practicing their ice climbing skills. Alert! Hikers should never venture onto a glacier without proper alpine climbing gear and experience.

  You will encounter several stream crossings along the Heliotrope Ridge Trail. The depth of these streams fluctuates greatly depending upon various conditions such as snowmelt, recent rainfall and time of day. A stream that is easily forded in the morning can become a raging torrent by afternoon. Use extreme caution; poles are highly recommended.

• High Pass Trail #676
• Mt. Baker Summit - Climbing

  The most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness  is the 10,781 foot [3,286 meters] active volcano from which the wilderness takes its name. Mt. Baker is the northernmost volcano in the United States Cascade Range located 15 miles south of the Canadian border. The mountain is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Baker's summit, called Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Directly to the south is a smaller and younger crater, which is currently a center of periodic steam eruptions. Sherman Crater is only partially ice-filled and the rim's pinnacle, known as Sherman Peak, reaches an elevation of approximately 10,160 feet [3,097 meters].

  Mt. Baker lies in two separate congressionally designated areas: the Mt. Baker Wilderness and the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area. Most of Mt. Baker is in Wilderness, with the National Recreation Area encompassing the south slope.

  Climbing Mt. Baker

  • Mt. Baker offers a variety of approaches with varying degrees of technical difficulty for would-be climbers. Some of the more popular routes are via the Coleman Glacier and the Easton Glacier. All routes to the summit of Mt. Baker are technical climbs on glaciers. Glacier travel experience, knowledge of crevasse rescue techniques and safe climbing habits are a must.
  • Guide services offer a variety of climbing courses and provide an opportunity to acquire and improve mountaineering skills.

  Safety

  • Review climbing safety information. Before climbing, leave your plans with someone you trust. Include your expected time of return, vehicle and license number, where you will park and your climbing route.

  Voluntary Climbing Register

  • The Forest Service does not require permits for climbing Mt. Baker. It is strongly advised that all climbing parties register for their own protection. Registration is optional. It will, however, provide valuable information in case of emergency. Download the form (pdf) (doc) or pick one up at the ranger station. Then submit your completed form at the ranger station before attempting the climb. When your party returns, sign out at the station or call and let them know of your safe return. Failure to sign out may result in a needless and costly search effort.

  Regulations

  • The Mt. Baker Wilderness and National Recreation Area maintain unique restrictions for hikers and climbers listed below.
  • Review important sanitation information.
  • Practice Leave No Trace methods.
• Boulder Glacier Climbing Route
• Coleman Glacier Climbing Route
• Easton Glacier Climbing Route
• North Ridge Climbing Route
• Park Glacier Climbing Route
• Squak Climbing Route
• Nooksack Cirque Trail #750

  Follow this primitive trail to the North Fork of the Nooksack River to its headwaters in a steep walled cirque at the base of Mt. Shuksan. The first challenge is at the trailhead: Ruth Creek has no bridge. Wade the creek, or cross on a log if one is available. Keep in mind that due to quickly rising water, a log that is crossable in the morning may be under water in the afternoon. In early summer Ruth Creek waters may be too high to wade. Once across the creek, follow the old roadbed for two miles to what was the original trailhead. Another mile through second growth will take you to the Mt. Baker Wilderness boundary, then you will wind through old growth forest for about a half mile and emerge on the bank of the North Fork of the Nooksack River at the end of this well-defined trail.

  After crossing a tributary stream, the route continues by way of either gravel bars during periods of low water or bushwhacking through riparian vegetation alongside the river. The North Cascades National Park boundary is about a mile away. Past the park boundary, you can continue through fierce brush as far toward the cirque as your cross-country travel skills allow. The best time to hike the Nooksack Cirque Trail is in the fall. During cool weather the water levels are low, allowing easier travel on gravel bars. This trail receives limited maintenance.

• Nooksack Cirque Trailhead
• Mt. Baker Wilderness
• Suiattle River Road - Forest Service Road 26

  The Suiattle River Road is located northeast of Darrington and is a major route into the Glacier Peak Wilderness, accessing the Pacific Crest Trail and roughly 120 miles of hiking trails within the Suiattle River Watershed. The road provides scenic and pleasure driving and allows people to access areas to hunt, search for wild mushrooms, pick berries and gather other forest products. Tribal members use the road to reach areas and resources important for traditional cultural practices and exercise reserved Treaty rights.

  Suiattle River Recreation Area Map

• Beckler Peak Trail 1240