Railroad Grade Trail 603.2
Go 2.25 miles on Park Butte Trail 603. and turn right at the signed junction onto the Railroad Grade Trail. Climb stone stairs to the edge of a glacial moraine deposited by the recession of Mt. Baker's Easton Glacier. Marmots are often seen cavorting along the moraine.
Three designated camping areas can be found along the trail: Railroad Camp, High Camp and Sandy Camp. There is no loop trail connecting the Railroad Grade Trail with other trails in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area.
This trail is in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area and is a popular approach for climbers attempting to summit Mt. Baker. Climbing parties are encouraged to sign the climbers' register at the Mt. Baker District Office in Sedro-Woolley before entering the backcountry.
At a Glance
Permit Info: | Washington State Sno-Park Permit is required November 1 through April 30 at Park Butte Trailhead. |
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Usage: | Heavy |
Best Season: | Summer, fall. |
Restrictions: | Hiker only. Mt. Baker National Recreation Area regulations apply:
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Water: | Treat all water. |
Restroom: | Vault at trailhead, none along trail. Use approved method to pack out solid human waste. |
Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass is required May 1 through October 31 at Park Butte 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 for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service road 11). Continue on at 12 miles, turn left on Forest Service road 12. Travel 3.6 miles to the junction of Forest Service road 13. Stay to the right and follow Road 13 for 5.3 miles. The trailhead is located at the end of FS road 13.
General Notes:
One-night campsites are available at the trailhead for hikers and stock. A toilet, loading ramp and hitching rails at the parking area.
Maps:
- Forest Service: Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness
- Green Trails: Hamilton 45, Mt. Baker Wilderness Climbing 13S
- USGS: Baker Pass
Parking:
Passenger vehicles are prohibited from parking in the stock vehicle parking area from August 1 - October 31.
Activities
Day Hiking
Fire Information | Campfires are prohibited within the NRA (36 CCFR 261.52a). |
Elevation desc | Elevation gain/loss:+1600 feet |
Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
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Backpacking
Snowmobiling
Permit required?: | Y |
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Alerts & Warnings
- 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!
- Harris Lake Trailhead and FSR 5510 Closed
- 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