Arrived at the trailhead about 5pm and headed out to see how far we could get before dusk. Patches of snow and tons of blueberry bushes along the meadow. The bridge of sorts across Rocky Creek was barely functional but do-able. Then the climbing began to the junction of Scott Paul trail where the solid snow began. Got some photos and watched the fog/low clouds roll in and then turned back.

Great day to be at Mt Baker, no snow until Morovitz meadows, then the cut off to Park Butte is snow covered but passable with route finding skills. We decided to head up Railroad grade to climbers camp, oh what a good decision, the trail clears of snow at RR grade and the the flowers are out in force, what a beautiful hike, like a park that gardeners tend to constantly. The mountain was out with occasional clouds, perfect day, no bugs, snow for our dog to eat and play in, about 2.5 hours from Schreiber's Meadow to climbers camp in between glaciers at the top of the moraine.

Went out on a WTA weekend work party to help make this trail a little more passable. There's a little mud in the meadow and snow patches right out of the trailhead. Volunteers diverted lots of water off the trail from melting snow and moved several big rocks from the trail. Rocky Creek bridge is there but broken from snow load, be careful crossing the creek. Volunteers worked the trail, cleaning drainage and clearing tread to the first set of crib ladders. Solid snow starts at about the upper junction of the Scott Paul Trail. Lots of climbers and day hikers were out and the snow was melting fast.

The weather report encouraged us to try to get in one last hike before conditions got any colder or more snowy. There was a fair amount of mist when we began our hike (around 11AM), but the sun soon caused most of it to dissipate, leaving just some interesting cloud formations. By the end of our hike (c. 4-5PM) the skies were wonderfully clear, so all things considered, this was about as good as it gets at this time of year. There was very little snow on Forest Roads 12 and 13, but for the most part the snow that we did encounter on the trail just made the landscapes all the more magical. I will mention that during the final mile or so, from the junction with the Railroad Grade trail to the arrival at the Park Butte Lookout cabin, the snow depth was up to about 7-8 inches in some areas. For the most part, however, we were able just to walk in the footsteps already made by other hikers, so the snow did not really hinder us in the leas -- in fact, it served to cushion our steps quite nicely. I had waterproof boots on, so my feet stayed dry -- if you have 'em, wear 'em on this hike at this time of year -- you'll be glad you did. It may have been barely 40 degrees when we started out, and it did get cooler as we gained altitude; however the exertion left me very damp from perspiration by the time I reached the Lookout cabin. I will definitely plan to pack an extra shirt and undershirt the next time I do this hike, so that I can change into comfortable dry clothing when I reach the top. The snowscapes were breathtaking; the thrilling views of Mt. Baker as well as of the snow on branches in the forest made for some spectacular sights (as well as wonderful photo opportunities). We only encountered a few other hikers during our nearly 6 hour-long hike (we spent about an hour at the Lookout, resting, eating lunch, and loving the fabulous views). One couple had spent the night in the Lookout cabin, and commented that the water in their bottles was frozen when they awoke! Another hiker explained some of the sights we were looking at, including the Twin Sisters, the Black Buttes, and Colfax, Grant and Seward Peaks. I had heard of these, but didn't know exactly what they were, so many thanks to the hiker I met at the Lookout (who had summited Baker 31 times!). We went at a moderate pace; it took us 2 3/4 hours from the parking lot to Park Butte Lookout cabin, and about 1 1/2 hours to descend. This is a hike I look forward to doing again, hopefully many times. It's a good stretch, but not a killer, and the views are beautiful beyond description. It's also comforting to know that the Lookout cabin is there in case the weather becomes hostile -- too bad there are so few of these left. Thanks to the Skagit Alpine Club for maintaining this refuge for hikers.

The Park Butte Lookout is a great dayhike destination this time of year. With the fresh snowfall this week, it was on the verge of snowshoe terrain after the trail broke out of the trees. There were a number of parties I encountered on the way up and down. Unfortunately clouds hung around the mountain summits, but the frozen dew droplets on the plants in Scriebers Meadows made up for the lack of views. SNOW REPORT: There was a bit of snow on the last quarter mile of road before the parking lot, but most had melted by the end of the day. Snow on the trail from the trailhead. Will be snowshoe terrain after another good snowfall. (I left my MSR Water bladder in the hut, if anyone happened to pick it up, I'd love to get it back. Please email me at sabegg@gmail.com. Thanks!)