The Forest Service has recently improved Road 1130, and it's now in much better condition than earlier reports indicate. The first six miles are in excellent shape and appear to have been freshly graded. The final four miles are narrower and have some ruts, especially in the upper section. While a high-clearance vehicle is still recommended, the large potholes noted in past reports have been repaired. The ruts in the upper portion may be too deep for low-clearance vehicles, though careful driving might still get you through. Be aware that brush encroaches on parts of the upper road—if you're particular about your paint job, this could be an issue.
The hike begins with a steep climb—about 1,000 feet of elevation gain in the first mile through the forest. After that, you emerge into stunning alpine meadows and follow the ridge for another 1.5 miles, enjoying spectacular views of Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, Baker Lake, and other Cascade peaks.
The hike essentially ends at the base of the Lava Divide. Although Gaia GPS shows a trail continuing up, it's not really a hiking trail—it's a class 3 scramble with loose rock. I started up thinking it might improve, but it only got steeper and more exposed. There appears to be a route to the top, but it’s suitable only for experienced scramblers.
If scrambling isn’t your thing, enjoy exploring the ridge and taking in the scenery. That’s what I did, and I found it to be a very scenic and enjoyable hike.
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