Skyline Divide
Aug 16, 2010
by
DestinationUp
—
last modified
Aug 17, 2010 05:03 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
- Hiking Companions
- Hiked with a dog
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
- Be Aware Of
- Bugs
- No water source
My friend J and I, plus the Wonder Pup, headed up to Skyline Divide on this beautiful Monday. We were car #3, and we only saw maybe ten groups the whole day. In fact, there were a couple of spots along the ridge where we couldn't see anyone for miles.
The trail is in great shape. And just when you think you're *done* with steepness (it's not that bad, really), you surface into meadows of wildflowers. Washington Husky fans, delight...purple and white everywhere, with gold accents! Once you pass the Mt. Baker Wilderness sign, you're just a few feet away from cresting the ridge. Be prepared, as Mt. Baker will smack you in the face.
We turned right, and followed the crest in the direction of Chowder Ridge. The trail guide says there are six knolls, and we made it to the fourth before time sent us back. Most of the folks we met stayed within the area of the first knoll or two, and believe me, if you want views, you'll get plenty from there.
The trail junctions were clear; the one that could be difficult at 3.5 miles is well marked with cairns. For the basin, take the well-used trail to the left, and for more ridge, scramble up the scree to the right. The trail will become obvious at the top of the slope.
Don't expect to make great time as you walk along the ridge. This is a place to exercise the camera, and just be grateful for such a beautiful place.
Road Notes: While the road is only 12.4 miles long, expect to spend 35-45 minutes driving, based on your car. It is a bit rough at the beginning, then smoother for awhile. You'll pass a couple of privies (better to use these than to wait and endure the upper part of the road), and a bridge, a little less than halfway up. After this, expect medium-large potholes, rough road, and much slower going. I was glad for my 4Runner, but it can be done with a lower-clearance vehicle with good suspension...just expect to take longer.
Bug Notes: Maybe I'm just tasty, but I used 33% DEET, and wanted 40%; I re-sprayed three or four times. Most of the bugs were black flies. Just bring the spray and enjoy.
Water Notes: There is only one tiny stream left on the trail, and a few small dog-chewed snow patches along the ridge (don't plan on these for much longer). We were on the trail 6.5 hours, and I went through nearly 4 liters. In fact, the last available water is in Marblemount, unless you filter from the river.
Camera Notes: Make sure your battery is charged and your card has lots of room :-)
The trail is in great shape. And just when you think you're *done* with steepness (it's not that bad, really), you surface into meadows of wildflowers. Washington Husky fans, delight...purple and white everywhere, with gold accents! Once you pass the Mt. Baker Wilderness sign, you're just a few feet away from cresting the ridge. Be prepared, as Mt. Baker will smack you in the face.
We turned right, and followed the crest in the direction of Chowder Ridge. The trail guide says there are six knolls, and we made it to the fourth before time sent us back. Most of the folks we met stayed within the area of the first knoll or two, and believe me, if you want views, you'll get plenty from there.
The trail junctions were clear; the one that could be difficult at 3.5 miles is well marked with cairns. For the basin, take the well-used trail to the left, and for more ridge, scramble up the scree to the right. The trail will become obvious at the top of the slope.
Don't expect to make great time as you walk along the ridge. This is a place to exercise the camera, and just be grateful for such a beautiful place.
Road Notes: While the road is only 12.4 miles long, expect to spend 35-45 minutes driving, based on your car. It is a bit rough at the beginning, then smoother for awhile. You'll pass a couple of privies (better to use these than to wait and endure the upper part of the road), and a bridge, a little less than halfway up. After this, expect medium-large potholes, rough road, and much slower going. I was glad for my 4Runner, but it can be done with a lower-clearance vehicle with good suspension...just expect to take longer.
Bug Notes: Maybe I'm just tasty, but I used 33% DEET, and wanted 40%; I re-sprayed three or four times. Most of the bugs were black flies. Just bring the spray and enjoy.
Water Notes: There is only one tiny stream left on the trail, and a few small dog-chewed snow patches along the ridge (don't plan on these for much longer). We were on the trail 6.5 hours, and I went through nearly 4 liters. In fact, the last available water is in Marblemount, unless you filter from the river.
Camera Notes: Make sure your battery is charged and your card has lots of room :-)
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Gorgeous meadows along the first two miles of the trail. Photo by DestinationUp.
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