Shannon Ridge Trail 742


Area Status: Open

This trail is frequently used by climbers attempting to summit 9,127-foot Mt. Shuksan via the Sulphide Glacier in the North Cascades National Park. The first 1.5 miles of trail is converted from an old logging road., The trail then switchbacks though an old timber harvest area. At 2 miles the trail condition deteriorates as it winds steeply up through dense forest. In another mile the trail breaks out onto Shannon Ridge at 4,600 feet, offering spectacular views of Mt. Shuksan, Mt Baker and Baker Lake. The trail continues along the open ridge to the National Park boundary.

Campsites are available along the ridge.  Bring Blue Bags or another Leave No Trace approved method to pack out solid human waste. The route enters the North Cascades National Park approximately 0.5 miles up the ridge. 

WTA Trip Reports

At a Glance

Area Amenities: Toilets
Permit Info: Shuksan Climbers: A National Park Service Backcountry Permit is required for overnight stays in North Cascades National Park. Obtain permits in person at National Park offices in Sedro-Woolley or Marblemount.
Usage: Heavy
Best Season: Summer / Fall
Restrictions: The route enters North Cascades National Park at approximately 3.25 miles where party size is limited to 12 and no pets are allowed.
Restroom: Vault toilet at the trailhead.
Passes: A valid Recreation Pass required at Shannon Ridge Trailhead.
Information Center: Check current conditions or call Mt. Baker Ranger District, Sedro Woolley Office at 360-856-5700, extension 515.

General Information

Directions:

From the Mt. Baker Ranger District office in Sedro-Woolley, WA follow State Route 20 east 17 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue on the Baker Lake Highway 24 miles to FS road 1152. Turn left on FS road 1152 and continue 3 miles to FS road 1152014. Turn right and travel 1.5 miles to the road's end.


General Notes:

Parties attempting to climb Mt. Shuksan are encouraged to sign the climbers' register located at the North Cascades National Park Headquarters/Mt. Baker Ranger District in Sedro-Woolley.

Maps:

  • Green Trails: Mt Shuksan 14, Lake Shannon 46 Mt. Baker Wilderness Climbing 13S
  • Forest Service:  Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness
  • USGS: Mt. Shuksan

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Climbing

Recreation areas with activity Mountain Climbing:

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:
Elevation desc Elevation gain/loss: +2200 feet
Difficulty Level: Most Difficult

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

Amenities

Toilets: Vault toilet at the trailhead. Two composting toilets seasonally available along the climbing route in North Cascades National Park. Bring Blue Bags or another Leave No Trace approved method to pack out human waste.

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

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Location

 
  Area/Length : 
3.0 miles one-way to national park boundary

  Latitude : 
48.76721104490977

  Longitude : 
-121.61799252033233

  Elevation : 
2500 feet