What a gorgeous day outside! Arrived around 830am and snagged one of the last parking spots. The forest road to the trailhead unfortunately has many potholes -- some of these fairly large -- and most of these are difficult to see due to shadows from the light filtering through the trees. A high clearance vehicle is recommended, but it is possible to make it in a sedan if driving very slowly.
There are toilets at the trailhead and blue bags that you can grab at the trailhead in case you forgot your wag bag. Please please pack out all of your waste!
The trail itself is gently graded in the beginning and winds through the forest. There are a few creek crossings -- most are shallow but one involved quite a bit of rock hopping and a search for the best place to cross. Your feet might get wet given the height of the water. Would recommend using poles. We did not change into water crossing shoes. After the largest water crossing, look for the pink bands tied to the trees to find the trail again.
The route is snow free until a bit past the Park Butte/Railroad Grade junction. There are a few snowfields to cross. Given that this area is very exposed to the sun and it was a warm day, the snow was fairly slushy. We did not use microspikes (and neither did the other folks we saw on the trail). Be careful of snow bridges. It is helpful to keep left and to try to step on the rocks whenever possible. However, perhaps these are melted out by now. Poles again are helpful here!
As you climb uphill, take the time to stop and look around. There are many wildflowers in bloom and IMAX-like views of Mount Baker from multiple vantage points. The fire lookout has sweeping views of the area, and we met a few folks there who spent the night. (FYI - There's a sign on the trail that the lookout will be undergoing maintenance on 8/16-8/17 and closed to overnight use on those days. If it's rainy, this will be rescheduled 9/6-9/7. Contact the Skagit Alpine Club for details).
We retraced our steps after lunch and ventured up the Railroad Grade Trail. It's a stunning ridge walk on the way up to the Easton Glacier. On the way up there are multiple campsites tucked into the trees and a small trail that leads to a water source. Would love to return to camp here!
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