Skyline Divide
Aug 13, 2010
by
JG of theTrail Trudgers Three
—
last modified
Aug 16, 2010 02:20 PM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Skyline Divide
- Region: North Cascades -- Mount Baker Highway
- Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Glacier Public Service Center
- Trails: Skyline Divide (#678)
- Avg Rating: 4.06
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
- Be Aware Of
- Bugs
Mt. Baker from Skyline Divide
My fellow trudgers and I headed up the Skyline Divide trail on Friday morning. Many others (with their dogs and even “pack goats”) had the same idea. The road to the trailhead definitely has its rough spots (big potholes, etc.) but our trusty Toyota Corolla and its patient, skilled driver handled it just fine.
The trail is steep in places but also has a few level stretches to catch one’s breath. It was a warm, clear day – a beauty for hiking – but we could have done without the swarms of hateful black flies. These despicable creatures seem to delight in thumbing their noses at any amount of insect repellent you put on. Fortunately, once we were on the ridge there was a nice breeze, which kept the flies at bay (sort of) while we ate lunch and basked in the truly awesome scenery. The meadows are currently full of lupine, sitka valerian, and mountain bistort and the air is heavy with their sweet scent. The heathers are just starting to bloom.
This is one of the most glorious hiking destinations in the North Cascades! The views are astounding and worth all the sweat and fly swatting on the way up. (If you want to avoid some of the flies, get a very early start.)
The trail is steep in places but also has a few level stretches to catch one’s breath. It was a warm, clear day – a beauty for hiking – but we could have done without the swarms of hateful black flies. These despicable creatures seem to delight in thumbing their noses at any amount of insect repellent you put on. Fortunately, once we were on the ridge there was a nice breeze, which kept the flies at bay (sort of) while we ate lunch and basked in the truly awesome scenery. The meadows are currently full of lupine, sitka valerian, and mountain bistort and the air is heavy with their sweet scent. The heathers are just starting to bloom.
This is one of the most glorious hiking destinations in the North Cascades! The views are astounding and worth all the sweat and fly swatting on the way up. (If you want to avoid some of the flies, get a very early start.)
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