| Let’s
take a hike
by
Tara Nelson
Fall
is the perfect time to explore the North Cascades as the
cooler temperatures, changing colors and less visitors
can make hiking a pleasant experience. The following are
a few favorite day hikes ranging from easy to more difficult
in Skagit and Whatcom counties:
Sauk Mountain
Location: 32 miles east of Interstate 5 on State Route 20
Length: 4.2 miles round-trip
Hike time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Although the drive from Whatcom County to Sauk Mountain
is long, the vibrant alpine meadows and spectacular views
of the Cascade mountain range make this hike well worth the
travel time. The trail switchbacks 26 times during the first
mile and a half through wildflower meadows, providing constant
views of the Skagit and Sauk river tributaries to the west
and Whitehorse Mountain to the south. Although the meadows
are incredibly steep (you’ll feel as though you are
walking on the side of a cliff) the slope of the switchback
trail ranges from moderate to easy.
Following the trail to the left at the end of the switchbacks
curves around to the east side of the mountain for another
half mile to the rocky summit (elevation 5,330 feet). Taking
a right turn, however, leads 1.5 miles down (descending 1,000
feet) the east side of the mountain to Sauk Lake.
The east side of the mountain is usually covered in snow
year-round, which can provide cooling refreshment on hot
summer days. The top of the ridge provides 360-degree views
of the North Cascades to the east, Mt. Baker, and the Three
Sisters mountain range to the north. Keep an eye out for
marmots, or large rodents resembling ground hogs that are
abundant near the top of the mountain.
Directions: From Bellingham, take I-5 south to Cook Road
exit. Take a left at Cook Road. At the State Route 20 junction
in Sedro-Woolley, take a left and travel east for approximately
32 miles. At milepost 96 (just past Sauk Mountain Pottery)
take another left on Sauk Mountain Drive. Follow the gravel
road for 7.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot. The road
is narrow and steep with several blind corners so caution
is recommended. Four-wheel drive is helpful, but not necessary.
Church Mountain
Location: 38 miles east on State Route 542
Length: 8.4 miles
Elevation gain: 4,100 feet
Hike time: 5 to 6 hours
Difficulty: More difficult
Located approximately one mile east of the Glacier public
service center, Church Mountain offers a challenging hike
with rewarding views for those who are willing to suffer
wobbly legs and possible blisters to get there.
The trail begins through dense forest and continues for three
miles at an unforgiving elevation gain of 1,000 feet per
mile before it levels out. The first clearing is at 6,100
feet and opens out into vast wildflower meadows for a half-mile
before it begins to switchback up a rocky ridge. An abandoned
fire lookout at the top provides panoramic views of Mt. Baker
and Mt. Shuksan. The ridge is part of the High Divide, a
valley of meadows that continues for 10 miles, according
to Ken Wilcox’s book, Hiking Whatcom County.
During the late summer, flies tend to be a nuisance so be
sure to wear plenty of insect repellant. Extra water is also
recommended, although there is a creek near the top of the
trail.
Directions: From Bellingham, take I-5 exit 255 (Sunset Drive)
and follow east approximately 38 miles. Turn left on USFS
Road #3040. Follow for approximately three miles. The trailhead
is at the end of the road. Parking is also available at the
creek approximately one mile south.
Heather Meadows
Location: 24 miles east of Glacier on State Route 542
Length: 1.5 to 9 miles
Hiking time: 2 to 6 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Heather Meadows recreational area is a mecca of scenic vistas
and hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate. Two popular
hikes are the Bagley Lake trail (1.5 miles with little elevation
gain) and the more difficult Chain Lakes trail.
To access the Bagley Lakes trail from the Heather Meadows
trailhead near the ski area, follow the trail down toward
the dam but turn left before crossing the bridge (the path
on the other side of the dam is not suitable for hiking).
Although flat and unchallenging, the Bagley Lakes trail offers
consistent and stunning views of Table Mountain and the various
lakes and streams. Such spectacular views were filmed in
the movie Call of the Wild.
For a leisurely stroll, follow the trail a half-mile around
Bagley Lakes to a bridge and take a left to connect to Wild
Goose trail, which loops back to the parking lot. Following
the trail across the bridge, on the other hand, leads to
Chain Lakes (4 miles) with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet
and a descent of 500 feet on the other side of Herman Mountain.
The upper-most portion of Heather Meadows is Artist Point
(elevation 5,140 feet), which offers 360-degree views of
Mt. Baker, Table Mountain and Mt. Shuksan. Most people drive
the 2.5 miles past the trail head parking lot to Artist Point,
although the rocky ridge – usually covered in snow
year-round – is also accessible by following the Chain
Lakes trail approximately two miles past Chain Lakes. The
area is so popular among tourists it could very well be dubbed
the Disneyland of Mt. Baker. Likewise, those looking for
more wilderness and less people may opt for another hike.
Be sure also to check out Picture Lake just below the ski
area.
Directions: From Bellingham, take I-5 exit 225 (Sunset Drive),
and follow east on Mt. Baker Highway for 58 miles. Artist
Point at Heather Meadows is the end of the highway. For updates
on road closures and pass reports, call the DOT at 800/695-7623.
State Route 542 is also designated as a National Forest Scenic
Byway by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Heliotrope Ridge
Location: 31 miles east of Glacier on State Route 542
Length: 6 to 8 miles
Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
Difficulty: More difficult
Heliotrope Ridge offers the closest view of Coleman Glacier
within the Mt. Baker wilderness – and all from the
safety of a well-maintained trail.
This popular hike starts in old growth forest and continues
for two miles before reaching open meadows with lots of wildflowers,
streams and waterfalls. Taking a right at the fork in the
trail approximately two miles in leads to the Coleman Glacier
climbers’ route to Mt. Baker’s 10,781-foot summit.
Unless you packed rope, ice axes and crampons, however, you
should follow the trail left, leading to a glacial valley
(called a lateral moraine) to the top of the Heliotrope Ridge
crest, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of Cascadia and
an arm’s-reach view of the glacier. Be sure to wear
shoes you don’t mind getting wet, as getting to the
top requires crossing several streams, the flow of which
is heavily weather and seasonal dependent.
Directions: From Bellingham, take I-5 exit 225 (Sunset Drive),
and follow east on Mt. Baker Highway for 31 miles, about
one mile past the town of Glacier. Turn right on Glacier
Springs Road (FS Road 39). Follow about eight miles to the
trailhead parking lot.
Sources:
Hiking Whatcom County
by Ken Wilcox
Pacific Northwest Hiking by Ron C. Judd and Dan A. Nelson (Foghorn
Press)
Day Hike North Cascades by Mike McQuaide (Sasquatch
Books)
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Ranger District web
site
www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs. |
ARCHIVES
