Church Mountain Trail #671
The Church Mountain Trail climbs through forest to sub-alpine meadows and a former lookout site. Its southern exposure makes it is one of the first trails in the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway area to melt out for a good early-season hike. Begin hiking at an old logging unit, a good place to see lupine and columbine in early summer, then enter mature forest and climb steeply up numerous switchbacks. Look for calypso orchid along the side of the trail. After three miles of hard climbing, enter green meadows and continue up to the old lookout site on a rocky peak, elevation 6,000 ft. Visitors who come soon after the snow melts, usually early July, may see the meadows carpeted with glacier lilies. At the summit enjoy views of Mt. Baker and Canadian Border Peaks, among others. Use a camp stove if you camp out instead of building a fire. Camp on existing sites and try to limit your impact on fragile vegetation.
At a Glance
Open Season: | Summer - Fall |
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Usage: | Heavy |
Best Season: | Summer - Fall |
Restrictions: | Open to hikers only. Use existing camp sites and limit the impact on fragile vegetation. |
Closest Towns: | Glacier, Washington |
Water: | No potable water. |
Restroom: | Vault toilet at trailhead. Pack out human waste using blue bags or another system. |
Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass required at Church Mountain Trailhead. |
Operated By: | US Forest Service |
Information Center: | Check current conditions or call Mt. Baker Ranger District office or Glacier Public Service Center. |
General Information
Directions:Travel east on The Mt. Baker Highway 542 5.2 miles from the Glacier Public Service Center to East Church Mountain Road #3040. Turn left onto road #3040 and continue 2.5 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead and parking area are at the end of the road.
General Notes:
Black bears frequent the area. Food and scented items need to be stored in a secure manner.
Maps:
• Green Trails: Mt. Baker #13
• USGS: Bearpaw Mountain
• USFS: Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness
Parking:
Parking for 10 vehicles.
Activities
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Elevation desc | Elevation Gain/Loss: +3600 feet |
Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
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