Anderson Butte

To test new orthotics, I wanted a short hike with great views; so I set out for Dock Butte. Forest Road 12 is closed this week and next. Rats. I drove further down Baker Lake Road, across Baker Dam, up nine miles of good unpaved road and one mile of very bumpy unpaved road, and arrived at the trailhead for Anderson Butte and Anderson-Watson Lakes.

When I arrived at 9:00 AM there were five cars in the parking lot. When I left at noon, there were six. I saw only two hikers on the trail.

The skies were clear and the mountain free of clouds when I reached the summit of Anderson Butte. It is only 1.3 miles to the summit from the trailhead, but you gain 1,300' of elevation. The views from the top are superb in all directions. The dropoff is straight down on all sides except where the trail leads to the summit. This is not a good place for kids or dogs.

There were a few bugs at the trailhead, but I wasn't bothered on the trail or at the summit. The trail is in good condition with no mudholes or obstructions.

When I reached the Anderson-Watson trail coming down from the Butte, I followed it up through the meadows for another wonderful view of Mt. Baker. After enjoying the meadows and wildflowers, I headed back to the TH. My orthotics are good and my feet did not hurt. I have been to Watson lakes before and I'm taking a friend there at the end of the month, so I chose not to visit them today.

Baker started accumulating clouds by 10:30 and was almost totally obscured by 11:30. I'm glad it was clear when I was on the Butte and hope the weather is as good at the end of the month for a Watson Lake overnighter.