Baker River Trail

The Baker River Trail, which travels through the Mt. Baker Noisy Diobsud Roadless Area, is a great year-round hike that traces the river’s natural waterway through cedar groves, verdant mossy gardens, and big boulders. The 2.5-mile, one-way trail leads you up-valley to old growth forest in North Cascades National Park.

The first half-mile is an easy amble along the river to a sturdy suspension bridge. Continue straight alongside the river’s snaking channel and wide graveled banks. (Turning right to cross the bridge takes you to Baker Lake.) A hiker reported in mid-October seeing hundreds of salmon in the tidal pools all along the river. Looking up enjoy views of Hagan Mountain’s snowy slopes.

At 1.2 miles, cross the wooden bridge over Lake Creek, the outlet for Shuskan Lake. A short distance farther, savor the river view from a high open bluff. Continuing past the base of a cliff, you reach the North Cascades National Park boundary, where the forest becomes old growth cedar with a rich understory of fern and salal. The trail ends at Sulphide Creek, elevation 900 feet. If water levels are low, you can scramble onto the creek’s rocky bed for a breath-taking look at Mount Shuskan.

To get there, travel I-5 north to exit 230 in Burlington. Head east on the North Cascades Highway SR 20 for 23 miles. After milepost 82, start looking for left turn onto Baker Lake Road. Continue 26 miles (the road becomes FR 11, and the pavement ends after 23 miles) to reach the road’s end and trailhead.

Many are predicting this winter to be one of the coldest, wettest and snowiest. So you always want to be prepared for changing weather. Carry your ten essentials: whistle, map, compass, sunscreen, flashlight and extra batteries, fire starter, first aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, and extra food and clothing. It’s also good to leave a copy of your travel plans with a responsible person.

Notes: Map is Green Trails Mount Shuskan No. 14. For trail info, contact the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount Baker Ranger District at (360) 856-5700. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. Dogs are prohibited on the last half-mile of the trail, which is in North Cascades National Park.