East Bank Baker Lake — Sunday, Apr. 13, 2014

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

I wanted a longer ramble though the forest on this glorious day with water and views. Baker Lake Trail fit the bill just fine and I headed for the south end of the trail to make for Anderson Point and Maple Grove which would be at least 7.5 miles round trip. The drive up was easy enough, there were potholes on the dirt road after crossing the dam but nothing that couldn't be driven around or through with care. There were several cars at the trailhead when I arrived including a large group of adults with kids coming back from an overnight. I counted just 9 people on my way in including 2 ladies camping at Anderson Point and a couple with a toddler at Maple Grove when I made it there. A group of 8 arrived at Maple Grove not long before I left and I saw multiple more groups on the way back for a total of around 30 people. That said, when on the trail I usually had it to myself so got some of that important solitude time in. The trail is in otherwise good shape and mostly dry the whole length that I hiked. There were several blowdowns along the way with only one near Maple Grove requiring a minor effort to get over. Wildflowers are just starting and should be in full swing in the next few weeks. All the creeks and water crossings were running well. Anderson Creek near the campground was white and foamy making me thankful for the log bridge. Bugs were out but I had only one mosquito try to bite me, I'm sure this will change soon enough. It was cool in the morning but felt like summer all afternoon even in the shade. What a great day to be out on a mossy green trail hugging the lake with mountain views and sunny blue skies.