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Work your way up to a ridgeline, then continue through alpine meadows and spectacular views of Mt. Baker.


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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

74%

Runnable

6,531' 1,991 m

High

4,338' 1,322 m

Low

2,541' 775 m

Up

348' 106 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

52%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views · Wildflowers

$5 per day fee to park at the Skyline Divide Trailhead. Purchase pass at the 24-hour kiosk at the ranger station in Glacier, or display your Interagency or National Forest pass in the windshield of your vehicle.

Description

The trail rises quickly through the forest for the first 1.6 miles, switchbacking relentlessly through the trees. After entering the Mt. Baker Wilderness, the trees begin to thin; a tenth of a mile later, top the ridgeline and enjoy stunning views toward Mt. Baker. This is where most visitors turn around.

For views of the Canadian Cascades (not included in this trail), turn left along the ridgeline.

To continue along Skyline Divide, turn right toward Mt. Baker. The ridgeline undulates gently as the trail wanders through alpine meadows and wildflowers in season. The trail often goes over as well as around the humps on the ridgeline; either trail is fine, but the trails that skirt the humps are easier to navigate. At 3.7 miles from the trailhead, a trail will descend off the ridgeline; turn right to stay on the ridgeline and continue along Skyline Divide.

The views never cease to become more jaw-dropping the closer you work your way toward Mt. Baker. Mt. Shuksan is also apparent to the left, and the Canadian Cascades are lovely to the north. About 4 miles from the trailhead, the trail becomes steeper to ascend a gravelly hill. Keep running another 0.8 miles to ascend a high point and absolutely spectacular views of Mt. Baker. Continue another half mile along the ridgeline to views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan, or even further as weather and time allows.

Contacts

Shared By:

Anne Travels

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 7 votes

#7816

Overall
  4.4 from 7 votes
5 Star
57%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#332

in Washington

#7,816

Overall
4 Views Last Month
3,635 Since Jan 13, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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33%
0%
67%
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Photos

Skyline Divide and Mt Baker
Dec 31, 2018 near Peacefu…, WA
The crest of Skyline Divide offers spectacular views of Mt. Baker.
Jan 13, 2017 near Peacefu…, WA
Glacier lilies bloom along Skyline Divide.
Jan 13, 2017 near Peacefu…, WA
Mt. Shuksan towers in the distance from the Skyline Divide.
Jan 13, 2017 near Peacefu…, WA
Along the Skyline Divide trail, with Mt Baker in the distance
Dec 31, 2018 near Peacefu…, WA

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