Let`s go hiking!

Let’s go hiking!
Mt. Baker
Get to know beautiful Mt. Baker on foot. Select from a
dozen remarkable hikes that allow you to experience
some of the most spectacular scenery in Washington State!
bakerbirchbay.com | 360.599.1518
Let’s go hiking!
Tips for a great experience
Hike with a group. Hiking with other
Stay on the trails. Making shortcuts
Don’t climb on waterfalls. Many in1.If traveling
people is safer than hiking alone.
3.
and “bushwhacking” causes erosion 7. juries and deaths occur on waterfalls
with a group, never stray
and greatly increases your chance of
and slippery, wet rocks.
Mt. Baker
Snoqualmie National Forest
has some of the best trails to be
found anywhere. We encourage you to make the most
of your time here to get in touch with the mountains, the
alpine meadows, forests and waterfalls that make this
area so special. You’ll be glad you did. Have fun, be safe
and don’t forget to smell the flowers!
from the group. If hiking alone, pick a
well-traveled trail.
becoming lost. As you hike, watch for
landmarks and for junction signs along
the trails.
Let others know where you’re
2.
going and when you’ll return.
Carry quality rain gear and turn
Don’t forget to check in with them when
4.
back if the weather gets bad. If you
you get back.
become wet or cold, it is important to get
remember!
map
compass
water
extra food
first-aid kit
rain gear and
extra clothing
firestarter
and matches
knife or multipurpose tool
flashlight and
extra batteries
sunscreen and
sunglasses
great guides
for great hikes
Check in with the Chamber of
Commerce Visitor Information
Center or the Glacier Public Service
Center to learn about weather, road
access and other variables that could
affect your hike. You’ll also have the
opportunity get more detailed maps
and other useful materials. See page
29 to learn more.
dry and warm as quickly as possible to
avoid hypothermia.
Dress in layers and use fabrics
5.
that wick moisture, dry quickly
or conserve heat. Many hikers wear a
lightweight shirt that wicks moisture. Pack
a fleece pullover and waterproof jacket in
a daypack. Avoid cotton clothes.
Bring plenty of drinking water
8.
and never assume you can safely
drink from streams. Frequent hikers might
consider buying a water filter or water purifying tablets at an outdoor supply store.
Don’t count on your cell phone or
9.
your GPS. You may not get a signal. In
addition, batteries can die or the equipment can become damaged or lost.
Invest in good hiking socks and
10.
boots. Avoid blisters by carrying
“moleskin” (available at drug stores) and
applying it as soon as you feel a hot spot
on your feet.
Make sure people in your group,
Wear bright colors. Be aware of
6.
especially children and older
11.
hunting seasons and don’t dress
adults, carry whistles. Whistles can be
children in camouflage.
heard from far away and take less energy
than yelling. Three short blasts is a sign of
distress.
Happy trails
Here are just a few of the dozens of hikes available in the
Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Be sure to contact a
Visitor or Public Service Center for information about which
trails are currently accessible. See page 29 for more information.
mild
moderate
• Artist Ridge (page 4)
• Horseshoe Bend (page 6)
• Wild Goose (page 8)
• Picture Lake (page 10)
• Skyline Divide (page 12)
• Excelsior Pass (page 14)
• Table Mountain (page 16)
• Chain Lakes Loop (page 18)
strenuous
• Hannegan Pass (page 20)
• Lake Ann (page 22)
• Yellow Aster Butte (page 24)
• Heliotrope Ridge (page 26)
2
3
mild
1-2 hours
hiking time
2 miles
or 3.2 km RT
elevation gain
100-200 ft
perfect for
the grand scheme of
things clicking into place
whistling and yodeling
spotting mountain goats
on impossible terrain
pretending you are
a raptor soaring on
the wind
snowball fights
in summer
taking photos that
look professional
4
Artist Ridge
Looking for the best view of the most photographed
mountain in North America? Drive up famous Highway
542’s green corridor to the top for stunning views from
Canada to Mount Rainier.
On
a clear day, drive to the best mountain scenery in Washington. Delight
in a short stroll through alpine gardens via
a universally-accessible trail to an overlook.
Impress visitors with spectacular mountain
panoramas. At eye level, Shuksan sits boldly
and a volcano in the Pacific Ring of Fire—
Mt. Baker—gives up a peek-a-boo view.
Inhale the heather’s delicate scent and the
fresh evergreen of mountain hemlocks.
Meander up the staircased trail for mirrored
reflections of Mt. Shuksan in snow-melt
ponds. Feel mountains anchoring the sky.
Covered in 30 feet of snow in winter, this
popular destination is usually free of snow
by mid-summer. Spot the tiny ski lifts below.
If possible, stay after the rest have gone for
the glow of an alpine sunset.
left: Enjoy easy-access along Artist Ridge – a mile-high wonderland
perfect for photographing wildflowers and mountains.
opposite: Perfectly mirrored Mt. Shuksan – an ‘Alp of the Northwest.’
5
mild
1-2 hours
hiking time
3 miles
or 4.8 km RT
elevation gain
100 ft
perfect for
winding through BIG
trees as old as father
time himself
clearing away negative
thoughts and foggy
work-clogged brains
slowing down time
seeing if you can walk
on the trail without
making any noise
collective positive icons
for refreshing your soul
6
Horseshoe Bend
This is home for forest fairies and mountain trolls. Wander
along an easy trail to the river’s edge through fern grottos
amidst ancient evergreens and mossy maples.
Descend
a staircase to the Nooksack
River where the sound of
whitewater bathes your senses. Meander along
the mostly-level trail into an intimate and idyllic
solitude where shade and moss hush the world
away. This forested trail of maples and nurse
logs sprouting new growth smells of rich, earthy
soil and misty, cool air. Take your time to identify
ferns, run your fingers over moss-covered maples, examine slugs and bugs and photograph
rare trillium and other forest flowers. Every
season delivers a fresh experience: vibrant lime
greens in spring, salmonberries and huckleberries in summer, brilliant colors in fall and the
quiet of winter.
Photographers
should tote a
tripod for capturing low-light
forest mosaics
and rushing
water amidst
tumbled rocks.
above: The forested trail corridor along the Nooksack River
is an easily-accessed destination for a day trip. opposite: The
Horseshoe Bend trail brings you to the edge of the Nooksack
River’s wild North Fork shown here in spring.
mild
1 hour
hiking time
1.5 miles
or 2.4 km RT
elevation gain
200 ft
perfect for
geology buffs pondering
the passage of time
resting awhile to hear
the raven’s call
feeling free as a child
altitude-induced
appetites
a boda bag with your
favorite beverage
impressing
out-of-town guests
8
Wild Goose
Dust off the hiking boots and grab a picnic! Discover fabulous
views without the elevation gain of upper Wild Goose Trail on
this picturesque pathway through magical Heather Meadows.
Wander
around intermittent stonelined pathways and impressive rock cairn markers. Access the lower Wild
Goose trail at Bagley Lakes which also provides
access to more strenuous terrain.Heather
Meadows opens to carpets of huckleberries and
miniature 100-year-old trees. Look closely along
the trail and observe bedrock scored by crushing
glaciers. Eons ago, lava flowed thick and cooled
into the dramatic stone walls of columnar andes-
ite. Photograph the crystalline lakes, wildflowers
and richly-contrasting fall foliage. Stand in awe at
towering Table Mountain. From the visitor center
built of rock and heavy timber, stare up to steep
switchbacks reminiscent of a road high in the
Alps. Combine this hike with other nearby trails
such as half-mile Fire and Ice trail.
right: Massive stone trail markers are their own works of art such as this one near
Artist Point. opposite: Fit hikers tackle the upper section above Austin Pass to
Artist Ridge. The route rapidly becomes more difficult with steep stairs climbing
to Artist Ridge and onward to Table Mountain, pictured here in reflection.
mild
.5 to 1 hour
hiking time
.5 miles
or .8 km loop
elevation gain
none
perfect for
postcard-perfect
phone selfies
pulling out
your sketchbook
composing inspired
lines of haiku
superlatives about nature
photography
bragging rights
finger painting with
wild blueberry juice
10
Picture Lake
Capture a perfect reflection of big sky contrasting the ice
and rock of Mt. Shuksan — a show-stopper in an alpine
wonderland. Just park and stroll to the edge of this pristine
lake for stunning photos.
As
the highway rounds the final bend
into Heather Meadows, resplendent
Mt. Shuksan emerges. The trio of jagged
edges dominate the view with Summit
Pyramid, the highest point, and flanking
Nooksack Tower and The Hourglass. Framed
by majestic trees and colorful foliage, this
image has graced many calendars. Notice the
patterns of sedges emerging at the lakeside
as winds ripple the surface of the lake. It’s
a constantly changing scene for a timeless
120 million-year-old mountain. This trail is
friendly for families and ADA accessible on
pavement and boardwalk. Before leaving,
take a moment to view the andesite rock
columns visible just across the road from the
trailhead.
right: The riotous colors of wild blueberries and mountain heather in the
fall contrast with the mirrored reflection of Mt. Shuksan at Picture Lake.
opposite: Mt. Shuksan and Picture Lake—one of the most photogenic
natural places in North America.
moderate
4-5 hours
hiking time
6 miles
or 9.65 km RT
elevation gain
1500 ft
perfect for
aha moments
clearing your lungs in
the mountain air
feeling closer than
ever to the sky
watching puffy
clouds go by
letting your mind soar
nestling into the
mountainside
sunkissed slumber
12
Skyline Divide
Pack a picnic—food will never taste better than it
does here. Hike skyscraping ridges amidst busy
butterflies, birds and bees. Trek to ever more grand
views of Mt. Baker and wildflowers galore.
Deep
forest is intimate, shady and cool.
Trees and undergrowth change
as high country beckons on the steady climb.
Cresting the ridge is worth every drop of sweat
as a panorama enfolds your senses with a mix
of wildflowers, silvered snags, snow-capped
Mt. Baker, rocky Mt. Shuksan and the jagged
North Cascades. After snowmelt, exotic flowers
burst forth all season: lupine, violet, glacier lily,
trillium, arnica, fireweed, Indian paintbrush
and valerian. Wander the ridgeline to close-ups
of Mt. Baker at 10,781 feet. Hear the marmot’s
whistle and relish heavenly breezes. Linger as
long as you like—the view is that good. Enjoy it
all over again on the downhill trail.
left: A backpacker on Skyline Divide ponders the expansive vista. opposite:
The climb to Skyline Divide with snow-capped Mt. Baker is studded with
stunning wildflowers such as purple lupine.
moderate
4-5 hours
hiking time
6.5 miles
or 10.5 km RT
elevation gain
1200 ft
perfect for
an early start for
late-afternoon lingering
kneeling in snow
to photograph
avalanche lilies
elevating all five senses
sharing stories
along the trail
going the “extra mile”
to Excelsior Peak
running out of hyperboles
to describe it all
14
Excelsior Pass
With surprises around every corner, there is nothing more glorious
than hiking an alpine ridge like this. Walk the broad meadow and
rolling hills to commanding views of Mt. Baker and Excelsior Pass.
Climb
upward through forests and
into open meadows, rest in
cool shade, take in the reflection at Damfino
Lake, or cool your heels at the creek crossing.
Announcing early summer, avalanche lilies
poke through snow patches. It’s not unusual
to find snow above 4,000 feet into July. Catch
scents of lupine and valerian and hear bees
busily doing their magic. In late summer, spot
mountain ash and its orange berries attracting
hungry birds. From 5,375-foot Excelsior Pass,
experience a breathtaking
show of color, texture
and views of Mt. Baker
and the North Cascades.
At the High Divide, feel
simultaneously tall and
tiny above the river valley
below. For the challenge,
hike to the former lookout
at Excelsior Peak.
left: Experience lush forests and wildflowers near Excelsior Pass. opposite: Mt. Baker
perches tantalizingly white in the distance with carpets of fireweed and valerian
wildflowers gracing the hike to Excelsior Pass.
moderate
2-3 hours
hiking time
3 miles
or 4.8 km RT
elevation gain
600 ft
perfect for
closing your eyes and
taking mental snapshots
picnics at the top and
toasts of cool beverages
budding geologists with
binoculars and magnifiers
observing rock formations
imagining that
Mt. Shuksan
was once seafloor
photographing impossible
cairn silhouettes
16
Table Mountain
Step into another space in time for commanding views
of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan dominating a vista of
green ridges stretching away into misty horizons.
Conquer
the ascending narrow
switchbacks of lava cliffs to
the top of a plateau of ancient andesite basalt.
This is not a place for small children or people
with a fear of heights. Dogs are not allowed on
this trail. Catch your breath on the now gently rolling terrain and feast your eyes in every
direction to Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan and the North
Cascades. Pass tiny glacial tarns and weathered
trees toward Mt. Baker. Practically touch the
mountain with your eyes at the abrupt edge
of the cliff face. High mountain vistas make for
awe-inspiring photography. Squint at the ski area
below. This monolith gives up its enchanted
vantage point to thick snow most of the year.
Return home the way you came.
left: Hiking the switchbacks on popular Table Mountain is short and steep
for hikers wanting to stand atop this impossible plateau amid peaks and
ridges of the Mt. Baker Wilderness. opposite: From Table Mountain, take in
the rewarding view of snow-clad Mt. Baker.
moderate
5-6 hours
hiking time
9 miles
or 14.5 km loop
elevation gain
1600 ft
perfect for
making silly faces at
the monkey flowers
soaking up the sun and
recharging the soul
tucking away an ice-cold
beverage for the top
getting away from it all
preserving memories
for a rainy day
watching birds soar
upon updrafts
18
Chain Lakes Loop
Explore clear alpine lakes and a view that changes at every
bend. Spectacular Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan—one capped
in snow, the other rugged and pinnacled—are both visible
on this versatile loop trail.
Limber
up with a clockwise traverse
from Artist Point around
the towering lava cliffs of Table Mountain to
Mazama, Iceberg and Hayes Lakes.Despite steep
hillsides, walk confidently on the sturdy trail.
Ascend to Herman Saddle and adjust your focus
to distant peaks with smells of earth and flower
carried on the rising breeze. Be prepared for
snow here—even in late-summer. Descend over
the “saddle” to Bagley Lakes, Heather Meadows
and a refreshing creek where the musky scent
of monkey flowers
may announce their
presence. Cross an
arched bridge and
pick up Wild Goose
back to Artist Ridge.
Trail variations provide several scenic
day trips. Sleep well with memories of a peaceful
mountain world dancing in your dreams.
above: Chain Lakes trail delivers pristine miniature forests, scented meadows and pocket lakes set amidst the towering
power of Table Mountain and views of Mt. Baker. opposite: Iceberg Lake nestles into the basin below Mt. Baker from
the Chain Lakes Loop. If time, take a side trail to Arbuthnet and Hayes Lakes.
strenuous
6-8 hours
hiking time
8 miles
or 12.9 km RT
Elevation gain
2000 ft
perfect for
mountain photo ops
staring face-to-face with
formidable Mt. Shuksan
touching the sky
and spotting images
in the clouds
drinking in the sunshine
listening to the
sounds of wilderness
echoes of glaciers
moving on Mt. Shuksan
20
Hannegan Pass
Explore a wilderness of glacier-carved valleys and North
Cascade grandeur. Leave behind the sound of the creek
and peaceful forests. Walk heathered meadows to where
Mt. Shuksan pierces the sky.
Second
growth forest opens to
rocky slopes and avalanche
chutes. Watch for waterfalls streaming off
sharp-peaked Mt. Sefrit and Nooksack Ridge.
Rushing waters of Ruth Creek will fade into
forest stillness. Switchback toward the pass and
emerge into a meadow of heather and blos-
soms providing a perfect reason to eat and rest.
Here the trail will drop into the Chilliwack River
valley in North Cascades National Park. Feast
eyes on the wilderness stretching to Mt. Ruth,
Mt. Shuksan and the North Cascades. Ambitious hikers take the Hannegan Peak Trail—a
steep 1200 foot incline—where the pinnacles
of Mt. Shuksan dwarf nearby Mt. Baker. On this
aerie, ravens and raptors capture wind currents
and clouds play high overhead.
left: Steep terrain over green valleys enhance the view
from Hannegan Peak Trail. opposite: Hikers wind through
narrow trails with ever-more spectacular views of
Hannegan Pass and Mt. Ruth around the bend.
21
strenuous
6-8 hours
hiking time
8.5 miles
or 13.7 km RT
Elevation gain
1000 ft in,
1000 ft out
perfect for
warm muscles and
sun-soaked shoulders
emerald blue
water gazing
listening to
whistling marmots
exploring the
rocky reaches
binoculars for
spying on pikas
hearing ice thunder
off Mt. Shuksan
22
Lake Ann
Towering pinnacles and hanging glaciers duel for attention with
crystal-blue Lake Ann. Terrain arcs upward to the iron-red walls of
Shuksan Arm. Great for spotting wildlife, this is a popular day hike.
Few
trails start with a descent as this
one does. Right away, spot trailside
blueberries. The trail flattens to the headwaters
of an alluring creek for refreshing tired feet—a
singular experience. Appreciate the embrace
of this valley paradise. Upon leaving the sound
of the creek and heading up into sub-alpine
terrain, train eyes upslope to the saddle
announcing the descent into Lake Ann. Climb
talus fields through islands of rock, flowers and
heather. Watch for scampering critters foraging
in the valley. From the saddle, Lake Ann sparkles below and looming Curtis Glacier drapes
rocky Mt. Shuksan.
Pass the trail to Fisher
Chimney climbing
route and instead
take the lake path. It’s
fun to bask beside
the lake on bedrock
heated by the sun.
right: Swift Creek crosses on the Lake Ann trail with dazzling Mt. Baker in the distance.
opposite: Sapphire-blue Lake Ann nestles into this high glacial valley to a backdrop of
big sky, rocky peaks and faraway ridges.
strenuous
6-8 hours
hiking time
8.5 miles or
13.7 km RT
Elevation gain
2200 feet
perfect for
watching hummingbirds
skydive
listening to the rustle
of scented breezes
devouring blueberries
until your lips are blue
overnight viewing of
the Perseid meteor
showers in August
skyline sunsets
feeling weightless
above foggy valleys
24
Yellow Aster Butte
Traverse into truly wild country. Sun-soaked or misty, the sweet alpine
air awaits all who venture here. Take a break at the reflecting ponds
and tarns. Mt. Baker and Shuksan rise high enough to touch the clouds.
The
trek to Yellow Aster Butte is steep but
rewarding. Warm muscles in the ascent to a meadow of wildflowers and succulent
huckleberries. Take the signed junction to traverse Yellow Aster Butte. Cross a stream and at
the fork, choose your route. To the right, climb
to exceptional natural landmarks. Or choose a
steep descent on the lower trail through crimson berry patches and glacier-carved tarns.
Spot remnants of mining equipment and imagine the life of a long-ago miner. Breathe deeply
from the crystalline
air. Watch ravens
and raptors soar
and rest awhile
on natural rock
benches. For the
sharp-eyed, search
for mountain goats
impossibly perched on the rocks of Mt.
Tomyhoi. Meadows are fragile, so stay
on the trails.
above: Reflecting pond nestles into amazing landscape at 6,150 foot Yellow Aster Butte and 9,131 foot Mt. Shuksan.
opposite: Mt. Baker rises majestically above a sea of clouds from the vantage point of Yellow Aster Butte.
strenuous
5-6 hours
hiking time
6.5 miles
or 10.5 km RT
Elevation gain
2000 ft
perfect for
singing at the top
of your lungs
counting ridges in
the icy-blue glacier
alpine yoga
cooling your heels
in alpine creeks
spying on furtive whistle
pigs, aka marmots
spotting migrating birds
in spring or fall
26
Heliotrope Ridge
Walk to the edge of a vast glacier, hear the crush of ancient ice and
smell the tang of alpine air. Experience deep-green forests, alpine
meadows, incredible wildflowers and a view few get to see on this
most popular of hikes.
Leave
troubles behind and enjoy the
hushed fall of feet. Push to the
top amid slow-growing evergreens and emerge
into carpets of vivid wildflowers and glacial-fed streams. It gets better… crest the ridge
and stand awestruck at the towering and rippled blue crevasses pushing down from lofty
Mt. Baker. Ponder your insignificance while
enjoying
a mile-high picnic on the overlooking glacial
moraine. Perhaps spot climbers heading to Mt.
Baker’s summit. See early-blooming avalanche
lilies in July and huckleberries and brilliant
colors in September. This isn’t a hike for early
summer—snowmelt impacts stream crossings.
No heliotropes are found here, but other flowers are abundant. Lightweight binoculars come
in handy for spying on marmots.
left: The forested path reveals tinkling creeks and leads to fields of
wildflowers. opposite: At the final crest of the trail, come face-to-face
with the deeply crevassed world of Coleman Glacier, the largest of Mt.
Baker’s 12 glaciers.
for more
information
Mt. Baker Visitor Center
7509 Mt. Baker Hwy, Maple Falls, WA 98266
360.599.1518 | [email protected]
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce &
Visitor Information Center
7900 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA 98230
360.371.5004 | [email protected]
Want to find out more about Baker Birch Bay? We are always
happy to answer any questions. Just stop by, call or email us.
INSPIRED
bellingham.org
Thanks!
Baker Birch Bay Tourism would
like to thank Bellingham Whatcom
County Tourism for their support in
producing this booklet.
CREDITS
photography by Brett Baunton
2014 Brett Baunton
Brett is a nature photographer living in
Bellingham, Washington. “My passion is
to hike into wild places and capture the
light as it plays across the landscape,”
says Brett. “Ultimately I hope my images
will allow others to see, feel and
experience the peace, exhilaration and
wonder that I enjoy out in our hills.”
www.baytobaker.com
©
copywriting by Allison Roberts
We live within hours of stunning wild
places. I hope this excites others to get
out there, have fun and explore!
www.kulshanservices.com
Glacier Public Service Center - Mt. Baker Ranger District
10091 Mt. Baker Hwy, Glacier, WA 98224
360.599.2714 | www.fs.usda.gov/mbs
hiker animation by
John McColloch
www.johnnymacstudios.com
The Glacier Public Service Center is located on the Mt. Baker
Scenic Byway, State Route 542. Here you can get the latest trail
and road conditions, purchase a topographic trail map and
acquire a Northwest Forest Pass that is required for parking
at trailhead sites.
map by Square One Map Co. LLC
Publishers of travel and recreation maps
throughout the Pacific Northwest.
www.squareonemaps.com
editing, concept and
design by Shew Design
www.shew-design.com
29
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow
into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you,
and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
—John Muir, Our National Parks
Baker Birch Bay Tourism Promotion | 7509 Mt. Baker Hwy, Maple Falls, WA 98266 | bakerbirchbay.com | 360.599.1518