Railroad Grade Trail 603.2

Area Status: Open

Go 2.25 miles on Park Butte Trail 603. and turn right at the signed junction onto the Railroad Grade Trail. Climb stone stairs to the edge of a glacial moraine deposited by the recession of Mt. Baker's Easton Glacier. Marmots are often seen cavorting along the moraine.

Three designated camping areas can be found along the trail: Railroad Camp, High Camp and Sandy Camp. There is no loop trail connecting the Railroad Grade Trail with other trails in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area.

This trail is in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area and is a popular approach for climbers attempting to summit Mt. Baker. Climbing parties are encouraged to sign the climbers' register at the Mt. Baker District Office in Sedro-Woolley before entering the backcountry.

Washington Trails Association

Trip Reports

At a Glance

Permit Info:	Washington State Sno-Park Permit is required November 1 through April 30 at Park Butte Trailhead.
Usage:	Heavy
Best Season:	Summer, fall.
Restrictions:	Hiker only. Mt. Baker National Recreation Area regulations apply: Campfires prohibited. Camp in designated sites only when below 6,000 feet elevation. Passenger vehicles are prohibited from parking in the stock vehicle parking area Aug. 1– Oct. 31. Mt. Baker National Recreation Area is open to snowmobile use when snow depth at the trailhead is at least 24 inches. Other motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted.
Water:	Treat all water.
Restroom:	Vault at trailhead, none along trail. Use approved method to pack out solid human waste.
Passes:	A valid Recreation Pass is required May 1 through October 31 at Park Butte Trailhead.
Information Center:	Check current conditions or call Mt. Baker Ranger District, Sedro Woolley Office at 360-856-5700, extension 515.

General Information

Directions:

From the Mt. Baker Ranger District office in Sedro-Woolley, WA follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service road 11). Continue on at 12 miles, turn left on Forest Service road 12. Travel 3.6 miles to the junction of Forest Service road 13. Stay to the right and follow Road 13 for 5.3 miles. The trailhead is located at the end of FS road 13.

General Notes:

One-night campsites are available at the trailhead for hikers and stock. A toilet, loading ramp and hitching rails at the parking area.

Maps:

Forest Service: Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness
Green Trails: Hamilton 45, Mt. Baker Wilderness Climbing 13S
USGS: Baker Pass

Parking:

Passenger vehicles are prohibited from parking in the stock vehicle parking area from August 1 - October 31.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Fire Information	Campfires are prohibited within the NRA (36 CCFR 261.52a).
Elevation desc	Elevation gain/loss:+1600 feet
Difficulty Level:	More Difficult