Went on Sunday Sept 29th in the morning. Got to the lot at about 9am and there was plenty of parking. Got back to the parking lot at 1pm. This included a lunch break and taking in the views. Parking lot was mostly full, but lots of group getting back and preparing to leave. Also passed a lot of people just starting who parked without issue.

Overall a very nice hike. Some steep sections as you get to the big creek crossing, but nothing too terrible. When we got to the last major creek crossing it was flowing at a decent rate and rocks not underwater were covered with ice making the crossing slick. We elected not to cross it, but those with trekking poles (and some confidence) did it without too many issues.

The alternative route up the mountain climbers way is steep but still beautiful. We didn’t go all the way to the glacier this way, but still got some stunning views of the glacier and mountain before turning back due to weather.

Overall great hike. It is noticeably colder up top so bring some layers.

Beautiful hike!

We got to the trailhead at noon. The lot was full with cars lined along the road.

There were a lot of other hikers and dogs on the trail. The water crossings were manageable, though the big fall crossing at Heliotrope Creek was more difficult. We were fine without poles, but saw other hikers use them. It did take a few attempts to find the best place to cross. The views were spectacular, and we contemplated ended our trek here, but were able to find an area to pass.

When we got to the glacier view point, we saw climbers on the glacier, which was very cool. It was quite a bit cooler up at the top and I was glad I brought my puffy.

Overall, the hike felt moderately challenging and was absolutely worth the work for the payoff.

Happy Mabon! There are still some flowers on the way to Hogsback and tons of mushrooms near the beginning of the trail. We initially set out for a longer day, but Washington's favorite weather rolled in. The sound and smell of rain are so exciting :) 

It got me thinking about the things I'm looking forward to in fall. I'm excited for skiing, cooking, and home-making! I hoping my schedule works out so that I can work with Outdoors for All at Stevens on weekends. Also, this year, I'm going to cook more traditional Jewish meals There is something about recreating meals my family has cooked for hundreds of years and sharing that food with my loved ones. And lastly, I still have a ton of work left to do on my house. I have an old wood stove we didn't work on last year, so let this be the year we get it up and running.

Check out my previous trip to the area!

My husband and I arrived at noon on a Saturday to a full parking lot but easily found parking on the road near the trailhead. The drive isn’t too terrible, but you do need to slow down often for all the potholes.

I had been nervous about doing this hike because of the 3rd water crossing and reports of people turning around. I’m so glad we decided to do this hike in late September because the water level didn’t seem as bad as what I’ve heard of in the summer. We went on the hike fully prepared to get our feet wet but stayed dry for all 4 water crossings with the help of hiking poles. I hope you will try this hike if you’re feeling nervous about the water crossings because you may find that it’s ok for you just like I did even though I was nervous about them. 

The view at the end is amazing! Mt Baker was covered by clouds, but it didn’t take from the beauty of it all. You can walk around and easily find a spot away from others to enjoy the view. We clocked in 5.66 miles and 1600ft elevation gain after walking around a while at the end to get different viewpoints. 

As other trips reports have lauded aspects of the trail, itself, this one will astound you with the fantastic fungi all along the route. Wow. Chantrelle, Boletes, Chicken of the Woods, Coral, Russula, Amanita and so many more.

Not being fans of crowded trails, this one was a disappointment with a constant flow of groups and every type & size of dog imaginable, some dressed to the 9s (the dogs, that is). We thought perhaps a bus had dropped everyone at the TH. We stopped for lunch at Heliotrope Creek and watched groups figure out how they wanted to cross. Teenagers hip hopped over the boulders while others managed to get their boots full of water and others just waded into the flow (it was about ankle to mid-calf deep). See video of Heliotrope Creek crossing here.

After getting our fill of the throngs, we headed to the Climber's Route along Hogsback Ridge which afforded views of Colman Glacier, Roosevelt Glacier, Lower Colman Icefall and many many waterfalls. Attached video is from Hogsback Ridge.

By the way, the road to the TH is paved - sort of. Pavement is often broken or completely missing. The newly installed water crossings/grates are in great shape. The vault toilets were pretty disgusting by 4pm.