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Baker River — Nov. 17, 2018

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
4 photos
jdanderson
WTA Member
10
Beware of: road, trail conditions
  • Fall foliage

4 people found this report helpful

 

Just beyond the creek crossing (the one with the log and handrail - Lake Creek?), a section of trail has washed out (see second photo). There might theoretically be a way to get past it, but I wasn't comfortable with the idea and turned around there, making my hike quite a bit shorter than anticipated.

Up until that point, the trail is in good condition, although logs, leaves, and rocks can get slippery this time of year.

Still a scenic walk with some gorgeous old growth and mountain views. I'd consider pairing it with other trails or attractions in the area due to the washout.

I saw vehicles of all clearances at the trailhead, but watch for a few sections of road with numerous potholes.

Baker River — Oct. 21, 2018

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
4 photos
Beware of: road conditions
  • Fall foliage
  • Hiked with a dog

2 people found this report helpful

 

A lovely Fall hike.   We kicked up leaves, searched for mushrooms, and enjoyed the sunshine.  

Baker River — Jul. 6, 2018

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
4 photos
TheFlyingClam
WTA Member
25
Beware of: bugs
  • Wildflowers blooming
  • Ripe berries

9 people found this report helpful

 
The road is passable to all vehicles. I have a sedan and made it fine, but there are plenty of potholes that will generate an unwanted visit to a repair shop if you’re not cautious once off the paved section. Bugs were present from the beginning and a bit of an annoyance. As we got closer to Sulphide Creek, they dissipated. Really at their worst closest to the trailhead. Took the Baker River Trail and enjoyed the views of the river along the way. Enjoyed grazing on blueberries, huckleberries, and salmon berries along the route. Made it to Sulphide Creek just fine. Did spot a bear track in the mud on the trail about 1/4 mile from the camp. Camp site looked to be in good condition. Outside of birds, the wildlife waited until the return trip to make an appearance. On the way back we saw a snake peaking out from a log. Just over a mile from the trailhead, we spotted a black bear just upslope of the trail maybe 25yards. Turns out bears like blueberries too!

Baker River — Jul. 6, 2018

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
4 photos
TheFlyingClam
WTA Member
25
Beware of: bugs
  • Wildflowers blooming
  • Ripe berries

2 people found this report helpful

 
Well the road is suitable for all vehicles, but be careful if you don’t drive a high ground clearance vehicle. There are some significant pot holes along the route. Take your time and you can navigate them all just fine. I was at the trailhead by 08. The bug started as soon as we did. An annoyance, but survivable and did not distract from our purpose of being out. Got all the way to Sulphide Camp and the trail was in good condition. Saw one near print in the mud about 1/4 mile from Sulphide. Lots of blueberries and salmon berries in bloom. On the way back, we saw a black bear about 30 yards up slope from the trail. We both carried about our business smartly. Love the hand cables across the creek too! Mulch better way to cross the creek than when I was out there a few years ago.

Baker River — Jul. 5, 2018

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
2 photos
Beware of: road conditions
  • Wildflowers blooming
  • Ripe berries

4 people found this report helpful

 

It was a clear, warm and sunny day in beautiful Mt Baker wilderness.  We took Road 11, 26.5 miles to the end. It is fully paved until the last 6 miles in which there are areas with large potholes. With caution it is passable. We went 5-25 mph in a Subaru Outback.  The large parking is at the headwaters at the north end of Baker Lake, and was nearly empty when we arrived at 1pm. We started on the East Baker Lake Trail, which connects to the Baker River TH if you go straight instead of right across the suspension bridge, which we did. Keep your eye out for a cave just before that bridge, and 2 more along the Baker River Trail.

We hiked approximately 1.25 miles to a major creek crossing. There is a cable railing inserted in a leveled downed tree all the way across. Some hikers ahead of us had turned back after seeing a black bear on the other side of the bridge. We continued on to the bridge and cautiously proceeded while making noise. To our delight we spotted the black bear ahead of us to the left peacefully foraging on berries, at times standing on hind legs! After taking some photos, the bear ran away and ahead of us. Since we were between the drop-off to the river on our right and steep forest on our left, we decided to turn back. We also saw very old trees, mushrooms, blueberry and huckleberry bushes, toads, ravens and a garter snake. The views were nice at river crossings.

Once back at the car we drove down to the Shannon Creek Campground for a cold dunk in Baker Lake followed by a picnic on the grass overlooking the alpine scenery. It was the perfect end to an enjoyable day. :)