Park Butte — Saturday, Sep. 3, 2011

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

I’ve had this on my list for a couple of years and with the wonderful forecast, this was going to be it! Driving directions were spot on; just a note, while on FS Rd 12 there are a couple of right hand turns, but adhere to the mileage instructions and stay on FS 12 for the full 3.5 mi and FS Rd 13 will be posted as well as there is a large a sign for the Mt Baker National Recreation Area that clearly marks this turn. I arrived at the trailhead about 8:30A, perhaps 6-8 cars. I immediately crossed a bridge over Sulphur Creek and onto a well maintained trail through Schriebers Meadow. Some wildflowers still remain and many berry bushes but unsure if the berries will ripen this year. Soon I started catching some views of Mt Baker. As I approached Rocky Creek, the trail became more rocky (thus I suppose aptly named…) and seemed as the trail was a former creek bed (which it probably was…). At Rocky Creek, came upon a re-route a few yards uphill to a makeshift bridge; it looked a little leary, but was steady and worked quite well. After the creek, started up some switchbacks to gain some elevation under a nice canopy; again, the trail was quite well maintained and even the stairs were an easy reach for my stubby little legs. At 2 mi came to the junction for the Scott Paul trail; turned left to continue up to the Park Butte Lookout. After this, the trail leveled out somewhat and eventually I arrived at Moritz Meadow and the views of Mt Baker were breathtaking! About .5 mi further, arrived at the junction for the lookout and the Railroad Grade. Continued with my mission and turned left towards the lookout. A couple of hundred yards or so from the Railroad Grade junction is a blow down across trail; was able to straddle (barely) and cross over without too much difficulty. Not much further came across a sign for a wilderness toilet and here is where the snow started! Was compact and well tracked and easy to follow; however, could not get over how much snow remained; first snowfield was about 200-300 yds. Was pretty level and I was able to navigate across easily. Then there was a little more elevation gain to the junction for Mazama Park and came up to another large snow field, also probably 200-300 yds in length, this one had some elevation gain, and recommend poles or traction devices to avoid slipping and sliding into rocks below. Once at the ridge, it was snow free to the lookout. What a glorious day! The views went on for days, the weather stunning, the snow a treat, good trail, some flowers still around and almost no people. On the way up only encountered 8 people! I spent some time at the lookout checking out the views, journal, maps, etc. About 4 more people joined me while there. All together think I only saw 30 people on the trail. Highly recommend; great hike!