Sulphur Mountain — Sunday, Jun. 26, 2016

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

The trail is in remarkable good shape given the fact the Suite River Road was closed from 2003 to 2014 (Matthew Riggen, Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger Station). For these 11 years, Sulphur Mountain trail #794 was virtually shut off from use and certainly maintenance. The trail starts 100 yards past the end of Forest Road 26, a road that is now as good as any backcountry road in the state. The first 300 vertical feet are some of the steepest tread in the state. At that point you arrive at the first and largest of the 57+ blowdowns and the trail assumes a pretty even and steep grade the rest of the way. There is a lot of duff and minor branches along the way and no views or water until assuming the ridge at 5 miles and approximately 4,500 feet of elevation gain. There is a little snow left along the route the last 400 vertical feet but the trail is easily traced.