Scott Paul Trail 603.1
This trail, formerly known as the Sulphur Moraine Trail, was rebuilt and extended in the mid-1990s to connect with Park Butte Trail 603 on the east and west ends, forming a delightful 7.5-mile loop. The trail was renamed in memory of Scott Paul, a Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest trails and wilderness coordinator who died in 1993. The Scott Paul trail is within Mt. Baker National Recreation Area.
The Scott Paul Trail is used by climbers attempting to summit Mt. Baker via the Squak Glacier.
Begin at the Park Butte Trailhead and look for the Scott Paul Trail junction about 100 feet down the trail on the right. Start climbing gently through the forest for two miles and reach the highest elevation of 4,700 feet with a rewarding view of Mt. Shuksan and other Cascade peaks. The trail contours around the base of Mt. Baker, winding through rock gardens, meadows and glacial moraines, offering glimpses into the volcano`s historical activity. Continue on to experience magnificent views of Mt. Baker and cross Rocky Creek on a seasonal suspension bridge in place between July and September or October.
In 5.5 miles, the trail intersects the Park Butte Trail. Turn right to Morovitz Meadow and the Railroad Grade Trail and Park Butte Lookout. Choose the left fork on the Park Butte Trail to descend to the trailhead in two miles. About one mile from the trailhead, cross Rocky Creek again. A season footbridge is in place July - September or October. The crossing can be challenging during periods of heavy runoff when the seasonal footbridge is not in place.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
One-night campsites are available at the trailhead for hikers and stock. A toilet, loading ramp and hitching rails are at the parking area.
Maps:
- Green Trails: Hamilton 45, Mt. Baker Wilderness Climbing 13S
- Forest Service: Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness
- USGS: Baker Pass
A valid Recreation Pass is required May 1 through October 31 at Park Butte Trailhead.
Washington State Sno-Park Permit is required November 1 through April 30 at Park Butte Trailhead.
- Hiker only.
- Mt Baker National Recreation Area regulations apply:
- No campfires.
- Camping is prohibited along the Scott Paul Trail. Camping is allowed in designated sites along the Railroad Grade, Park Butte, and Bell Pass Trails. Camping allowed on durable surfaces above 6,000 feet elevation.
- Passenger vehicles are prohibited from parking in the stock vehicle parking area at the Park Butte Trailhead July 1– Oct. 31.
- Mt. Baker National Recreation Area is open to snowmobiles when snow depth at the trailhead is at least 24 inches. Other motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted.
Address: 810 State Route 20 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Phone: (360) 854-2553
Hours: OPEN Monday (all services provided); OPEN Tues-Fri (limited services: Maps, NW Forest Pass, Interagency Annual Pass Only). Hours 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4pm. Closed 12-1 for lunch. Closed on weekends. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From the Mt. Baker Ranger District office in Sedro-Woolley, WA follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). At 12 miles, turn left on Forest Service Road 12. Travel 3.6 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road 13. Stay to right and follow FS road 13 for 5.3 miles. The trailhead is located at the end of FS road 13.
