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 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.

Washington Trails Association Hiking Guide and Trip Reports