Scott Paul Trail, Park Butte — Friday, Aug. 14, 2009

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Hiking the Scott Paul Loop counter-clockwise and up to Park Butte is one of my favorite hikes. The weather this day was more like a late fall hike than a mid August hike and although there were no mountain views - which there are plenty with this hike - it was still beautiful. The Scott Paul trail counter-clockwise ties into Park Butte trail at about 5.5 miles. Most of the elevation gain - which is just steady - is in the cover trees which is wonderful on a hot day. When you get to this junction, take a right. Follow the trail past the Rail Road Grade junction and up to Park Butte. We followed the Park Butte trail back to the TH. Rock hopped crosing the creek which was quite low today. The total mileage is about 12 miles. The trails were in great condition, really no bugs on the trails, a little mud as it rained a bit and two blowdowns that were no problem getting over or around on the Scott Paul trail.