seeing recent reports i decided to revisit the lookout. after finding a place in concrete for breakfast (most everything closed on monday) we arrived a little later at the trailhead than we wanted what with the forecast of hot weather in the alpine. however the ascent through the shade of the trees and a little breeze were welcome. upon entering the lower meadows there was an abundance of pink and white heather. the breeze picked up too, so the hike through the meadows was tolerable. arriving at cathedral gap we could see the lookout above. upon arriving we took in the glorious views from the catwalk and the nice breeze and shade on the north side of the lookout. we descended and took a side trip to the picturesque tarns for lunch. reluctantly we headed down back to the trailhead. overall we had a lovely day in a picturesque setting. my son remarked why do we need mt rainier with this (we live in everett thus closer drive)!

Finally made it up to park butte to enjoy the beautiful views of mt baker on a wonderful sunny day. We left everett around 7 and with a delicious breakfast stop at 5B's in concrete (highly recommend) made it to the trailhead at 10:45am. Quickly we got moving because the sun was hot and the wind was light. The first two miles were pretty easy, a bit steep near the second mile and it took us about an hour. Once we escaped the trees it was easy going in the meadows up to the lookout. The trail is very well maintained with only one tree over the trail, overall it was absolutely beautiful and the scenery was hard to beat. Took a quick look around at the lookout then headed back down to the tarns for lunch. The highlight for me was an American Pipit in the meadow before the climb to the turnoff for cathedral camp. Get out there and enjoy it!

This was a two day WTA work party at Schriebers Meadow focused on the first mile or two of the Park Butte trail. The trail is in pretty good shape but needs regular maintenance to keep drainage open and beat back the brush. Some of us focused on the entry point just over the bridge which had become a bit of a wash out, while others began clearing drainage ditches in the meadow that were silted up from snow melt and rain. There was a camp-out Saturday evening complete with barbecue and many stories as we got to know each other better. The crew was a real mix, from experienced to first timers, from various locations around the Northwest and with many different backgrounds. A great night out in paradise. The second day was more drainage, knocking down the berm, building check steps and a project replacing a portion of buried and rotting puncheon with rock to enable drainage and raise the walkway above a mud-hole. There was quite a bit of brushing with the loppers both days but it will need more to keep you dry during the wet times. In all a great trip. A couple of folks made it up the top and said the views were spectacular with just a few snow patches left. I'm looking forward to the next work party and convincing others to join me.

My wife and I hiked to Park Butte Lookout near Mount Baker. After having suffered from many bug bites last week at Glacier View I chose this destination by reading trip reports on WTA.org. We were very pleased, as we did not have any bug bite today. When we arrived at the trailhead at around 10 AM, the parking lot was full and I had to park on the shoulder of the road. Wildflowers were blooming, mostly pink and white mountain heathers, but yellow arnicas, lupines, queen’s cups, Lewis's Monkeyflowers etc. as well. The weather was mostly sunny in the morning and mostly cloudy in the afternoon. The trail was in good condition. We met several WTA volunteers working on trail maintenance. We thanked them as we pass by.

Access: Forest Roads 12 and 13 are in good shape, albeit very dusty, with just a few rough spots that are passable by all types of vehicles. Route: I hiked the Scott Paul Trail counter-clockwise. Upon reaching the upper junction of the Scott Paul and Park Butte Trails, I continued up the Park Butte Trail as far as Cathedral Camp, then returned to the trailhead via the Park Butte Trail. Trail Conditions: Within the first couple miles of the Scott Paul Trail, there are 10 trees down on the trail. Only one requires some careful consideration: either hike very steeply up, over and down to get around the tree or take off your pack, push it under the tree, and then slide yourself under. There are lots of streams to cross, with the vast majority being very small and shallow, easily stepped across with dry feet. The crossing of Sulpher Creek requires a few minutes of scouting, but can be crossed with dry feet. The suspension bridge has been put in place over Rocky II. Only two small, quickly melting snow patches left on the trail. Through the moraine, the trail is dusty with lots of loose rocks. The stretch of Park Butte Trail from the junction with the Scott Paul Trail to Cathedral Camp has melted out considerably since last week. There’s still snow off to the side of the trail, but the trail itself is now snow-free. Beyond Cathedral Camp, I expect there are still some snow patches. A WTA work party is working on the lower part of the trail this weekend, clearing some drainage issues through Schreiber’s Meadow. Flora and fauna: Along the Scott Paul Trail, queen’s cup is blooming prolifically through the forest. Lupine, pink heather, white heather, and lots of other flowers are blooming in the open areas along the trail. Through Morovitz Meadow on the Park Butte Trail, the pink heather is at its peak, but definitely past its prime through Schreiber’s Meadow. Tons of blueberry bushes along both trails, but none that are ripe and ready-to-eat yet. As far as animals go, I heard some marmots along Scott Paul, spotted a few pika near Rocky Creek, and watched a few chipmunks play tag in the woods. Views: The views of Mount Baker along the Scott Paul Trail are outstanding. If hiking the loop clockwise, the views will be more in-your-face; if hiking the loop counter-clockwise, just remember to look back over your shoulder from time to time. Views west were obscured by a veil of haze today.