It's the perfect time to visit this easy hike and soak up the yellow yellow yellow of vine maples at their peak. Be sure to look over your shoulder for a magnificent view of Mount Baker as you cross the dam. The road has some potholes before you reach the trailhead, but a sedan will make it just fine. No TP in the trailhead pit toilet, so be sure to bring some.
The trail eases downhill through forest until you reach the Y with Anderson Point campground to the left. Take the fork and, if the clouds part, enjoy the view of Baker before you. Picnic tables have a great view. But even if it's a rainy or foggy day and the mountain isn't out, it's worth the walk through mature forest. You'll pass several old-growth cedars and cross numerous pretty streams. Take care not to slip on the wooden bridges along the way. One stream spills over the trail but it was only an inch deep when we were there.
Autumn is so late this year--it's only been raining a week or two. So we didn't find any mushrooms to harvest. Freezing temps are expected early next week--not sure what that will do to the potential for mushrooms.
The walk is rated moderate but it's easier than any other moderate trail I've found on the WTA site. We saw the most gorgeous foliage in the half mile past Anderson Point.
One tip: avoid stepping on the outer edge of the rain-softened trail. It's a little spongy and might give way and cause a fall.
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