The way left loses some elevation through talus slopes and meadows for about 1.0mi to the end of the trail. This trail is great for a dayhikeor an overnighter. From there, Wells Creeks snakes through the canyon and enters Bar Creek on the opposite side of the access road. Read the full guide to Skyline Divide. As noted above, you have a couple of options of where to camp- when you first enter the ridgeline, youll see the trail splitting off to the left, which will lead to approximately ten campsites. Lummi legend tells the story of the handsome young Kulshan, married to two wives: the beautiful but stormy Tahoma and the plain but kind Shuksan. To get here, take Hwy 542towards the direction of Mount Baker. Baker and Mt. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. The trail gains 1500 feet in two miles to reach the ridgeline, so the grade is moderately steep as you ascend through a forest of western hemlock, mountain hemlock, and silver fir. This is such a great way to spend a sunny summer day with friends. Gaining roughly 1500ft in the first 2.1mi, the Skyline Divide trail starts out steep. To the east are Yellow Aster Butte and Shuksan, and the North Cascades are in the distance. If youre seeking the full experience of the Skyline Divide, wander south along the ridge, through wildflower meadows and towards Mount Baker. Baker, and Mt. Twin Lakes Trail is a 14.7mi hike in the Mount Baker Wilderness that leads you to two picturesque, The Racehorse Trail Loop is an easy hike to a pretty waterfall that cascades over several tiers. While a 13-mile forestry road to the trailhead makes light work of some elevation gain, the first 2 miles of the trail are steady uphill through the forest. On the way back down, we passed a couple hiking up in what resembled a beekeeping outfit (i.e., long shirts and pants with gloves on and a mosquito head net). After 2.0mi, walk out of the woods into an alpine wonderland. Follow it a short distance to reach a relatively flat knoll-shoulder at 3.5mi and 6200ft. Beautiful vistas. Stunning! The Skyline Divide is a 6000-foot-high northward extension of Koma Kulshan that transforms itself into a summertime paradise of unrivaled mountain views and unending wildflower fields.The hike starts at a well-marked trailhead kiosk. We packed up camp quick and hiked the 3.5 miles out back to the car. Wildflowers: While the mountain views are epic, the wildflowers on this hike really push it to being out-of-this-world gorgeous- the spring wildflowers are at their peak in July through August (although when we visited in August, all of the wildflowers had seemingly died due to recent series of heat waves- we were really batting a thousand that day!) The first peak to come into view is Mount Baker, its conical, snow-capped summit rising up ahead of you as you hike. How many hiking guide entries need two flower lists?As you summit the sixth knoll, you will reach 6,563 feet of elevation. Once youre above the treeline, the undulating trail offers many impressive photo opportunities, and an awesome panorama that takes in Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and the many other peaks that make up the North Cascades. Even in our 4WD, high-clearance SUV, it took us over an hour to drive those 12 miles to the trailhead. In front of you is Chowder Ridge, a trail best reserved for those with either hooves or the proper equipment for scrambling, snow, and ice. Family friendly. The path to the left takes you higher on a more difficult track, whereas the path to the right has more stable footing. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Happy hiking! NOTE: As of May 2022, the National Forest road is closed around mile 3.1 due to flood damage. Make sure you keep going after the Meadows as it's well worth the effort! 
Camping here, near Deadhorse Creek, is a great way to spend the night stargazing. A simple and straightforward 6 mile out and back route. Kulshans second wife, the non-volcanic Shuksan, is to the east, and the High Divide is to the north. Baker. Call me crazy, but Id rather just not hike if the conditions necessitate wearing a veil to protect my face from insects. The trailhead is located a little under three hours north of Seattle on the northern side of Mount Baker. Choose the length of your hike at Skyline Divide. With the green covered hills and large amounts of wild flowers, Skyline Divide is something of a summer paradise. So pack up the car and dont forget your hiking boots- heres everything you need to know about the Skyline Divide, Washingtons best day-hike (or backpacking trip)! Here, at 5800ft above sea level, views of Mount Baker, Shuksan and many more will take your breath away. To your south are the Black Buttes (Lincoln and Colfax Peaks), the remnants of the local volcano that preceded Kulshan, and Twin Sisters Mountain. Just as you walk past the sign noting your entry into the Mount Baker Wilderness, the trail dramatically opens onto the ridge with an unmissable view of Mount Baker and then, for the first time, unobstructed views appear east to Mount Shuksan and the peaks beyond in the North Cascades National Park. By now you'll have forgotten the 2 miles of switchbacks you just climbed, and be in awe with the unrivaled views you have of Mt. Please explore responsibly! Do you have any questions about hiking the Skyline Divide trail? 2021Outdoor Project. Over the years, Shuksans gentle nature won the heart of Kulshan and drove Tahoma to jealous rage. This is an unforgettable day out in Washington State. So when youre stepping through a meadow of wildflowers, youre not just killing those wildflowers, but also their future flower grandbabies for years and years to come. Justin and I also leave a large refillable container of water, like this one, in our SUV so that we can refill our bottles as soon as we get back to our vehicle. No flowers (or flower grandbabies) were harmed in the making of this photo. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Either if your looking for a day hike or overnight trip this is a must for everyone. But once you burst out onto the meadow along the ridgeline (after approximately THREE THOUSAND- okay, more like 20- switchbacks), you wont even notice your burning buns of steel when confronted with the sweeping fields of wildflowers and panoramic mountain views- Mount Baker (the third tallest mountain in Washington) will be staring you in the face to the south; with Mount Shuksan to the east and the High Divide to the north. All rights reserved. If your backpacking there are some great spots to setup camp if you follow the trail and ridge to the left, if not you can follow the trail for an additional 2.5 miles, following the ridge to the right and passing many knolls as it takes you closer and closer to Mt. Their food and service is great, they also have a good selection of beverages on tap. This is an excellent campground that offers good access to many of the hiking trails in the North Cascades. Continue for 12.9 miles until the trailhead. 05/10/2022 - The road to this trailhead is washed out, The Skyline Divide is a 6000-foot-high ridgeline extension of Mount Baker that transforms itself into a summertime paradise of unrivaled mountain views and unending wildflower fields, a trail that deposits you just 3.5 miles from the summit itself. We got back to camp, made dinner and then waited for the sunset. Once you reach the top of the ridgeline, the trail will fork to the left, which will lead you to about ten campsites amongst the fields of wildflowers- or to the right, where the trail continues on towards Mount Baker. As mid summer approached, I looked for a destination on a ridge to possibly escape the masses of mosquitos that are out this time of year. And same for you- if youre camping along the Skyline Divide, know how to appropriately handle your waste (heres a helpful article if you need a refresher) and bring along baggies to pack out your used toilet paper. Excellent place. I trust you know generally how to pack for a day hike or a backpacking trip, but here are some packing tips that are especially important for this trail: Water: This trail can be quite a workout and between the high elevation, the amount of climbing youll be doing, and the sun exposure along the trail, youll go through a LOT of water. We got moving on this around noon and made our way up the trail, encountering many day hikers on the way. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association So, with that, here are a couple other things to consider when planning your trip: Bugs: One of the things I love about living in Washington is that theres usually so much less annoying, biting bugs as compared to my original motherland, the United States Midwest. Note that campfires are not permitted. Right at this opening to the left the ridge continues and there are campsites available right away. Light pollution is very low, was able to take clear shots of the milky way. If you feel like saving your thighs a bit of a workout, note there is a fork on the trail for both the second and third knoll, which will lead you to the right around the hill, rather than over it- this is especially helpful if youre carrying heavy backpacking gear! Lovely views! Youll also find some good places for camping near Deadhorse Creek, just before Chowder Ridge, located in the valley between the Skyline and Cougar Divides. WTA worked here in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010! We knew we could keep going up the trail to look for more spots, but we really wanted to take off the heavy packs and relax and set up camp. There are potholes and several blind turns, so drive carefully! Regardless of your choice, the views are panoramic, and the flowers are ubiquitous. In front of you will be the Chowder Ridge of Mount Baker, which should be reserved only for adventurers that are well-experienced with ice and snow (yup, regardless of what time of year you come!). We also have a ton of content all around Washington state (what can I say, my home state is pretty awesome), which you can check out here. Our packs were incredibly heavy and painful with the added weight. So besides possibly bringing a beekeeping suit if you do the hike in August, what else should you keep in mind on the trail? 
As mentioned above, we had no issues with bugs during our first hike in September. All rights reserved. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount Baker Ranger District, Day Hiking: North Cascades (Romano - Mountaineers Books), Buy the Green Trails Mount Baker No. 2022 Uprooted Traveler. The View. Start by driving roughly 2.5 miles up Forest Road 3040, conveniently named E Church Mt Road, to the trailhead. Key word in that last sentence is usually.. Just a mile outside of the town of Glacier, turn onto Forest Road 37 and follow it up switchbacks for the majority of the 13 miles, from here you'll arrive at the Skyline Divide trail head. The mountain was all socked in at this point and we decided to turn around about .5 mile from the summit. And lets keep it that way for others to enjoy for years to come by following the Leave No Trace principles, especially: Plan ahead and be prepared: Bring plenty of water, have a map of the trail downloaded on your fully-charged phone before you head here (reminder: theres limited to no cell reception here), and be aware of any wildfires in the area. FR-37 ends at the trailhead, where there is a privy and parking for up to 30 cars and perhaps 20 more along the side of the road. On a clear day you can see west across to the Olympic Peninsula and north well into Canada. There are no water sources on the ridge. Once you hit the switchbacks a little past a mile in, youll start getting peekaboo glimpses of the High Divide to the north and a preview of the thick wildflower meadows awaiting you along the ridgeline. Specially since it is 3 hours away from Seattle. We had beta on an awesome campsite up ahead, but it was already taken. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. At the second knoll, there is a fork. There is a faint boot path for the most part in the beginning. No spam. The trail is technically open all year, but given the amount of snow it receives due to its high elevation, its best hiked from mid-June through October. Loving trailwork from WTA has led to steps and turnpikes that allow this trail to withstand up to 5000 pairs of boots each year. Again, there will be a fork here- the fork to the left will take you to campsites near Dead Horse Creek between the Skyline and Cougar Divides, which are approximately a mile away, or, to the right, will continue along the main trail over the final two hills. As Ill explain below, the August trip was not as special as the first time. Check out the Yellow Aster Butte, Chain Lakes Loop, or Heliotrope Ridge. Buckle up- its seriously some of the best hiking on the planet! If youre hiking towards the beginning or end of that window, its a good idea to bring microspikes and trekking poles as youll likely still encounter snow and ice along the trail. We were able to see climbers going up to the summit at this time. Seattle, WA 98104. The road going up wasn't too bad, just very long. Continue reading, 534 Weather changes quickly above 6000ft - even during summer. Look out for colorful mountain heather, purple littleflower penstemon, sitka valerian with its tight, intricate buds, yellow glacier lilies, sulfur buckwheat, dwarf lupine and spearleaf stonecrop. No matter where you end up camping, though, theres really no bad views up here! The trailhead sign indicates that it is a strenuous 2,000 ft gain over 2.5 miles up to the overlook.This clearly cut trail switchbacks its way up the hillside over several drainages. They are usually scared of humans and its fairly unlikely theyll harm you, although mother black bears have been known to be aggressively protective around their young. These wildflower meadows are a real highlight of any trip to the Skyline Divide Trail. Theres also a fork along the trail 3.5 miles in- if you follow the left trail, youll be led to a handful of campsites by Dead Horse Creek. Our first hiking experience in September was absolutely glorious- fields of technicolor wildflowers, absolutely no insects, mountain peaks as far as the eye can see, and even a gorgeous cloud inversion at sunset. The dazzling display of wildflowers on the Skyline Divide Trail will take your breath away. We got there before dark, set up camp in the back of the Subaru and hit the hay. Panoramic mountain vistas. Check out our Tips for the Skyline Divide below, including the best campsites along the trail. Washingtons wildfire season usually spans from August through September, although in recent years, it has started to creep into July. To park at the trailhead (either for a day hike or an overnight stay), you either need a Northwest Forest Pass or an Interagency Annual Pass, like America the Beautiful. A partial list of the flowers that bloom on this part of the ridge includes aster, fireweed, arnica, oxeye daisy, lupine, valerian, bistort, glacier lily, and cow parsnip.At the fourth knoll, 3.5 miles from the trailhead (6000 feet elevation), cairns mark a key fork. Its about protecting what sustains us. The trailhead was absolutely packed with day hikers. Youll reach the fourth hill about 3.5 miles in. The trail rolls up and down, over high knolls to a junction marked by cairns at 3.2mi. This post may contain affiliate links. Bug spray: I went on my tirade above about the bug situation, so I wont subject you to it again, but bring bug spray. If youre planning on staying here multiple days, youll need to bring a water filtration system, like this one, and head down to Dead Horse Creek to get water. Tagged: United States, Washington, Hiking and Camping Guides. We set our alarms for 2 AM to wake up to take night photos. Fantastic views. Copyright 2022 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. Skyline Divide is a rolling ridgeline hike that offers breathtaking panoramic views from Shuksan to Baker. The Skyline Divide Trail offers several possibilities for camping, whether youre looking to transform this hike into an easy backpacking trip, or simply looking for the best place to go stargazing in the Mount Baker Wilderness. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. But when we returned the following August, Ive never been subjected to a more buggy experience in my life. I am going to go again and stay the night when Im more prepared. We shot sunset and went to bed super early. Would you like to see more hikes in Mount Baker? Ive driven on a lot of sketchy unmaintained roads in the Pacific Northwest- and this one is honestly the worst Ive ever seen! Go for 12.9mi to the trailhead. I had also researched Hadley Peak, which is a continuation of Skyline Divide. Please respect the fragile meadows by only camping in established campsites. This is a great turnaround point for those seeking a short hike. Looking for the best spots to camp? Youll start at a forested trailhead, thick with silver fir and western hemlock trees and climb a steep 1500 feet in the first two miles to the ridgeline. Let me know in the comments below! Eventually as we continued we lost all of the crowds. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Excellent view of both Baker & Shuksan! 
Shuksan, and the Puget Sound. Be prepared and bring plenty of layers. Sunscreen: Once youre on the ridgeline, theres almost no tree coverage and, at such high elevations, the sun is pretty intense. The trail follows these knolls up and down (that I find very annoying). 
adventures and follow local regulations. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The road is bumpy, but lacking the pot-holes that occupy many of the other forest roads. 
Baker, the North Cascades, Mt. Further, its important to note that, unless you hike the extra mile to the campsites near Dead Horse Creek, there isnt any kind of water source along the trail. After these 2 miles the grind of the hike is ultimately behind you. Not worth it for no views and our campsite was now very far away and it was late afternoon. Skyline Divide is one of my favorite trails in the Pacific Northwest- and, given how many gorgeous hikes there are here, thats saying a lot? and the valleys are covered with autumnal wildflowers and shrubs in late September and early October. We woke up early, about 5, made coffee and then hit the trail. It was a fun trail up to the ridge with gorgeous views and fresh snow from the skyline on. Or, you can continue even further along the ridge, ending atop a 6563ft knoll Skyline Divides highest point and final campsite at 4.5mi. Skyline Divide: The Most Beautiful Day Hike (or Backpacking Trip!) At the third knoll, you face a similar left versus right decision. We had such an amazing experience that we returned again the following year for my birthday in August. A wanderlusty couple, who recently moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Fall colors. Shuksan. Whats more, these beautiful flowers sustain an important population of insects, and you can expect to see many darting dragonflies and wonderful butterflies fluttering from plant to plant, including the stunning anicia checkerspot and anise swallowtail. One major thing to note about this trail is since it is on a ridge, there are no reliable water sources. When you approach the timberline (elevation 5900 feet), fields of wildflowers bloom and views of Kulshan peek through the trees, but you ain't seen nothin yet!Burst out onto a knoll on the ridgeline, with Kulshan confronting you to the south. In your more immediate surroundingsyou'll notice wildflowers in the summer and berries along the ridge trail through September and October. I'm sure the views of Baker from up there are insane when it's clear!
Camping here, near Deadhorse Creek, is a great way to spend the night stargazing. A simple and straightforward 6 mile out and back route. Kulshans second wife, the non-volcanic Shuksan, is to the east, and the High Divide is to the north. Baker. Call me crazy, but Id rather just not hike if the conditions necessitate wearing a veil to protect my face from insects. The trailhead is located a little under three hours north of Seattle on the northern side of Mount Baker. Choose the length of your hike at Skyline Divide. With the green covered hills and large amounts of wild flowers, Skyline Divide is something of a summer paradise. So pack up the car and dont forget your hiking boots- heres everything you need to know about the Skyline Divide, Washingtons best day-hike (or backpacking trip)! Here, at 5800ft above sea level, views of Mount Baker, Shuksan and many more will take your breath away. To your south are the Black Buttes (Lincoln and Colfax Peaks), the remnants of the local volcano that preceded Kulshan, and Twin Sisters Mountain. Just as you walk past the sign noting your entry into the Mount Baker Wilderness, the trail dramatically opens onto the ridge with an unmissable view of Mount Baker and then, for the first time, unobstructed views appear east to Mount Shuksan and the peaks beyond in the North Cascades National Park. By now you'll have forgotten the 2 miles of switchbacks you just climbed, and be in awe with the unrivaled views you have of Mt. Please explore responsibly! Do you have any questions about hiking the Skyline Divide trail? 2021Outdoor Project. Over the years, Shuksans gentle nature won the heart of Kulshan and drove Tahoma to jealous rage. This is an unforgettable day out in Washington State. So when youre stepping through a meadow of wildflowers, youre not just killing those wildflowers, but also their future flower grandbabies for years and years to come. Justin and I also leave a large refillable container of water, like this one, in our SUV so that we can refill our bottles as soon as we get back to our vehicle. No flowers (or flower grandbabies) were harmed in the making of this photo. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Either if your looking for a day hike or overnight trip this is a must for everyone. But once you burst out onto the meadow along the ridgeline (after approximately THREE THOUSAND- okay, more like 20- switchbacks), you wont even notice your burning buns of steel when confronted with the sweeping fields of wildflowers and panoramic mountain views- Mount Baker (the third tallest mountain in Washington) will be staring you in the face to the south; with Mount Shuksan to the east and the High Divide to the north. All rights reserved. If your backpacking there are some great spots to setup camp if you follow the trail and ridge to the left, if not you can follow the trail for an additional 2.5 miles, following the ridge to the right and passing many knolls as it takes you closer and closer to Mt. Their food and service is great, they also have a good selection of beverages on tap. This is an excellent campground that offers good access to many of the hiking trails in the North Cascades. Continue for 12.9 miles until the trailhead. 05/10/2022 - The road to this trailhead is washed out, The Skyline Divide is a 6000-foot-high ridgeline extension of Mount Baker that transforms itself into a summertime paradise of unrivaled mountain views and unending wildflower fields, a trail that deposits you just 3.5 miles from the summit itself. We got back to camp, made dinner and then waited for the sunset. Once you reach the top of the ridgeline, the trail will fork to the left, which will lead you to about ten campsites amongst the fields of wildflowers- or to the right, where the trail continues on towards Mount Baker. As mid summer approached, I looked for a destination on a ridge to possibly escape the masses of mosquitos that are out this time of year. And same for you- if youre camping along the Skyline Divide, know how to appropriately handle your waste (heres a helpful article if you need a refresher) and bring along baggies to pack out your used toilet paper. Excellent place. I trust you know generally how to pack for a day hike or a backpacking trip, but here are some packing tips that are especially important for this trail: Water: This trail can be quite a workout and between the high elevation, the amount of climbing youll be doing, and the sun exposure along the trail, youll go through a LOT of water. We got moving on this around noon and made our way up the trail, encountering many day hikers on the way. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association So, with that, here are a couple other things to consider when planning your trip: Bugs: One of the things I love about living in Washington is that theres usually so much less annoying, biting bugs as compared to my original motherland, the United States Midwest. Note that campfires are not permitted. Right at this opening to the left the ridge continues and there are campsites available right away. Light pollution is very low, was able to take clear shots of the milky way. If you feel like saving your thighs a bit of a workout, note there is a fork on the trail for both the second and third knoll, which will lead you to the right around the hill, rather than over it- this is especially helpful if youre carrying heavy backpacking gear! Lovely views! Youll also find some good places for camping near Deadhorse Creek, just before Chowder Ridge, located in the valley between the Skyline and Cougar Divides. WTA worked here in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010! We knew we could keep going up the trail to look for more spots, but we really wanted to take off the heavy packs and relax and set up camp. There are potholes and several blind turns, so drive carefully! Regardless of your choice, the views are panoramic, and the flowers are ubiquitous. In front of you will be the Chowder Ridge of Mount Baker, which should be reserved only for adventurers that are well-experienced with ice and snow (yup, regardless of what time of year you come!). We also have a ton of content all around Washington state (what can I say, my home state is pretty awesome), which you can check out here. Our packs were incredibly heavy and painful with the added weight. So besides possibly bringing a beekeeping suit if you do the hike in August, what else should you keep in mind on the trail? As mentioned above, we had no issues with bugs during our first hike in September. All rights reserved. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount Baker Ranger District, Day Hiking: North Cascades (Romano - Mountaineers Books), Buy the Green Trails Mount Baker No. 2022 Uprooted Traveler. The View. Start by driving roughly 2.5 miles up Forest Road 3040, conveniently named E Church Mt Road, to the trailhead. Key word in that last sentence is usually.. Just a mile outside of the town of Glacier, turn onto Forest Road 37 and follow it up switchbacks for the majority of the 13 miles, from here you'll arrive at the Skyline Divide trail head. The mountain was all socked in at this point and we decided to turn around about .5 mile from the summit. And lets keep it that way for others to enjoy for years to come by following the Leave No Trace principles, especially: Plan ahead and be prepared: Bring plenty of water, have a map of the trail downloaded on your fully-charged phone before you head here (reminder: theres limited to no cell reception here), and be aware of any wildfires in the area. FR-37 ends at the trailhead, where there is a privy and parking for up to 30 cars and perhaps 20 more along the side of the road. On a clear day you can see west across to the Olympic Peninsula and north well into Canada. There are no water sources on the ridge. Once you hit the switchbacks a little past a mile in, youll start getting peekaboo glimpses of the High Divide to the north and a preview of the thick wildflower meadows awaiting you along the ridgeline. Specially since it is 3 hours away from Seattle. We had beta on an awesome campsite up ahead, but it was already taken. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. At the second knoll, there is a fork. There is a faint boot path for the most part in the beginning. No spam. The trail is technically open all year, but given the amount of snow it receives due to its high elevation, its best hiked from mid-June through October. Loving trailwork from WTA has led to steps and turnpikes that allow this trail to withstand up to 5000 pairs of boots each year. Again, there will be a fork here- the fork to the left will take you to campsites near Dead Horse Creek between the Skyline and Cougar Divides, which are approximately a mile away, or, to the right, will continue along the main trail over the final two hills. As Ill explain below, the August trip was not as special as the first time. Check out the Yellow Aster Butte, Chain Lakes Loop, or Heliotrope Ridge. Buckle up- its seriously some of the best hiking on the planet! If youre hiking towards the beginning or end of that window, its a good idea to bring microspikes and trekking poles as youll likely still encounter snow and ice along the trail. We were able to see climbers going up to the summit at this time. Seattle, WA 98104. The road going up wasn't too bad, just very long. Continue reading, 534 Weather changes quickly above 6000ft - even during summer. Look out for colorful mountain heather, purple littleflower penstemon, sitka valerian with its tight, intricate buds, yellow glacier lilies, sulfur buckwheat, dwarf lupine and spearleaf stonecrop. No matter where you end up camping, though, theres really no bad views up here! The trailhead sign indicates that it is a strenuous 2,000 ft gain over 2.5 miles up to the overlook.This clearly cut trail switchbacks its way up the hillside over several drainages. They are usually scared of humans and its fairly unlikely theyll harm you, although mother black bears have been known to be aggressively protective around their young. These wildflower meadows are a real highlight of any trip to the Skyline Divide Trail. Theres also a fork along the trail 3.5 miles in- if you follow the left trail, youll be led to a handful of campsites by Dead Horse Creek. Our first hiking experience in September was absolutely glorious- fields of technicolor wildflowers, absolutely no insects, mountain peaks as far as the eye can see, and even a gorgeous cloud inversion at sunset. The dazzling display of wildflowers on the Skyline Divide Trail will take your breath away. We got there before dark, set up camp in the back of the Subaru and hit the hay. Panoramic mountain vistas. Check out our Tips for the Skyline Divide below, including the best campsites along the trail. Washingtons wildfire season usually spans from August through September, although in recent years, it has started to creep into July. To park at the trailhead (either for a day hike or an overnight stay), you either need a Northwest Forest Pass or an Interagency Annual Pass, like America the Beautiful. A partial list of the flowers that bloom on this part of the ridge includes aster, fireweed, arnica, oxeye daisy, lupine, valerian, bistort, glacier lily, and cow parsnip.At the fourth knoll, 3.5 miles from the trailhead (6000 feet elevation), cairns mark a key fork. Its about protecting what sustains us. The trailhead was absolutely packed with day hikers. Youll reach the fourth hill about 3.5 miles in. The trail rolls up and down, over high knolls to a junction marked by cairns at 3.2mi. This post may contain affiliate links. Bug spray: I went on my tirade above about the bug situation, so I wont subject you to it again, but bring bug spray. If youre planning on staying here multiple days, youll need to bring a water filtration system, like this one, and head down to Dead Horse Creek to get water. Tagged: United States, Washington, Hiking and Camping Guides. We set our alarms for 2 AM to wake up to take night photos. Fantastic views. Copyright 2022 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. Skyline Divide is a rolling ridgeline hike that offers breathtaking panoramic views from Shuksan to Baker. The Skyline Divide Trail offers several possibilities for camping, whether youre looking to transform this hike into an easy backpacking trip, or simply looking for the best place to go stargazing in the Mount Baker Wilderness. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. But when we returned the following August, Ive never been subjected to a more buggy experience in my life. I am going to go again and stay the night when Im more prepared. We shot sunset and went to bed super early. Would you like to see more hikes in Mount Baker? Ive driven on a lot of sketchy unmaintained roads in the Pacific Northwest- and this one is honestly the worst Ive ever seen! Go for 12.9mi to the trailhead. I had also researched Hadley Peak, which is a continuation of Skyline Divide. Please respect the fragile meadows by only camping in established campsites. This is a great turnaround point for those seeking a short hike. Looking for the best spots to camp? Youll start at a forested trailhead, thick with silver fir and western hemlock trees and climb a steep 1500 feet in the first two miles to the ridgeline. Let me know in the comments below! Eventually as we continued we lost all of the crowds. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Excellent view of both Baker & Shuksan! Shuksan, and the Puget Sound. Be prepared and bring plenty of layers. Sunscreen: Once youre on the ridgeline, theres almost no tree coverage and, at such high elevations, the sun is pretty intense. The trail follows these knolls up and down (that I find very annoying). adventures and follow local regulations. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The road is bumpy, but lacking the pot-holes that occupy many of the other forest roads. Baker, the North Cascades, Mt. Further, its important to note that, unless you hike the extra mile to the campsites near Dead Horse Creek, there isnt any kind of water source along the trail. After these 2 miles the grind of the hike is ultimately behind you. Not worth it for no views and our campsite was now very far away and it was late afternoon. Skyline Divide is one of my favorite trails in the Pacific Northwest- and, given how many gorgeous hikes there are here, thats saying a lot? and the valleys are covered with autumnal wildflowers and shrubs in late September and early October. We woke up early, about 5, made coffee and then hit the trail. It was a fun trail up to the ridge with gorgeous views and fresh snow from the skyline on. Or, you can continue even further along the ridge, ending atop a 6563ft knoll Skyline Divides highest point and final campsite at 4.5mi. Skyline Divide: The Most Beautiful Day Hike (or Backpacking Trip!) At the third knoll, you face a similar left versus right decision. We had such an amazing experience that we returned again the following year for my birthday in August. A wanderlusty couple, who recently moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Fall colors. Shuksan. Whats more, these beautiful flowers sustain an important population of insects, and you can expect to see many darting dragonflies and wonderful butterflies fluttering from plant to plant, including the stunning anicia checkerspot and anise swallowtail. One major thing to note about this trail is since it is on a ridge, there are no reliable water sources. When you approach the timberline (elevation 5900 feet), fields of wildflowers bloom and views of Kulshan peek through the trees, but you ain't seen nothin yet!Burst out onto a knoll on the ridgeline, with Kulshan confronting you to the south. In your more immediate surroundingsyou'll notice wildflowers in the summer and berries along the ridge trail through September and October. I'm sure the views of Baker from up there are insane when it's clear!