Skyline Divide Trail 678
This is one of the most popular hikes on the Mt. Baker Ranger District. From the trailhead you will climb steadily for two miles through forest into Mt. Baker Wilderness and lush, open, flower filled meadows with stellar views of glacier-draped Mt. Baker. The trail wanders along Skyline Divide for another 1.5 miles, offering views of rivers, forests and countless peaks. An unmaintained boot path, recommended for experienced hikers, continues on to follow Chowder Ridge. Flowers and biting insects are abundant in July and August. The bugs abate in September, and the foliage begins to change into fall hues. Carry drinking water, as there is none available along the trail except in early summer when enough snow remains to melt for water.
At a Glance
Open Season: | Summer - Fall |
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Usage: | Heavy |
Best Season: | Summer - Fall |
Restrictions: | Open to hikers and llamas year round. Open to stock July 1-Oct. 31. No campfires. Wilderness regulations apply, including a maximum party size of 12. |
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 is required at Skyline Divide 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:From Glacier, Washington travel east on The Mt. Baker Highway 542 for approximately 1 mile past the Glacier Public Service Center to Glacier Creek Road (Forest Service road 39). Turn right onto FS road 39, then take an immediate left onto Deadhorse Road (Forest Service road 37). Travel 12.7 miles to the trailhead and parking area located 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: Mount Baker, Bearpaw Mountain
• USFS: Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness.
Parking:
Parking for 20 vehicles with room for stock trailers.
Activities
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Fire Information | Campfires are prohibited in the Mt. Baker Wilderness |
Elevation desc | Elevation Gain/Loss: +1500 |
Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
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Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:Horse Riding
Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:Alerts & Warnings
- Mountain Loop Highway and Mt. Pilchuck Rd Closed for Winter!
- Franklin Falls Sno-Park Opening for Winter 2024/25!
- Road to Artist Point Closed for the Season!
- Vault toilets at many locations now closed for the season.
- Lake 22 Trail Closure Extended
- Some Trails Still Closed due to Fire Activity
- PCT between Mica Lake and Suiattle Pass and Suiattle River Rd all Open!
- Campfire, Shooting and Other Restrictions Have been Lifted!
- Emergency Closure of Carbon River Bridge!
- Middle Fork Camping Closure
- Fireworks and Explosive Targets Prohibition
- Camping Restrictions
- Read this Before Climbing or Backpacking on Mt. Baker
- Food storage rules for Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF
- Alcohol Prohibitions