Big Four Mountain from Mt. Dickerman trail (Mark Dexter)

One of the most popular hikes off of the Mountain Loop Highway, the Mount Dickerman Trail delivers jaw-slacking views of a ring of rugged peaks near and far. Big Four and Del Campo practically leap out at you, while Glacier mesmerizes off in the distance. Though well-built and well-maintained, the trail is not easy. It starts low and heads high, wasting little time on the way to the 5723-foot summit. Come in September and Dickerman's legendary blueberry patches will slow your momentum even more than the steep trail. You'll likely end up looking like an "indigo girl"with all your picking and sampling.

Starting in thick timber, the way traverses the slope for a minute or two before commencing into switchback rhythm. The tread can be rocky at times, a result of erosion from when much of the mountain's lower slopes went up in flames nearly a century ago. Remnant old-growth giants displaying their fire survival scars stand proudly among scrappy successive growth.

After 2 miles of continuous clambering under a dark canopy and beside and around big mossy ledges, the grade eases at a small creek crossing (dry by late summer, pack plenty of water). Welcome daylight too as the way breaks out into boundless blue- and huckleberry-bursting flats as you near 3 miles (elev. 4400 ft). After vacillating through the vacciniums, resume upward momentum.

Cresting Dickerman's western shoulder, you'll have the summit in view-1 mile away and 1000 feet above. Winding through hemlock groves and heather meadows, the way once again steepens. But the stunning view south to Big Four, Del Campo, and the countless Monte Cristo peaks will help keep your mind off the grind. Finally, after gaining almost 3900 feet in 4.3 miles, reach the open summit.

Sheer cliffs drop from the north face, so keep dogs, children, and the vertically phobic nearby. Securely seated, start savoring the scenery. Admire the Perry Creek basin below, flanked by Mount Forgotten and Stillaguamish Peak. Look at all the mountains! Prominent to the north are Baker and White Chuck. East, it's Pugh, Sloan, and Glacier. South, Rainier peeks above a wall of jagged summits. And west, Pilchuck and Three Fingers stand out. No wonder this hike is so darned popular!