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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a popular trail that starts off in old growth forest. There are several creek crossings that are mild in the morning but can turn nasty on a hot afternoon with all the snow melt. The trail is well maintained though when we went, parts of it were very muddy and difficult to negotiate. Your troubles are well rewarded when you get above treeline and stand within a stone's throw of a live glacier. Mt. Baker looks as though you could stroll to the top. There were lots of marmots, wild flowers and streams. You can often see mountain climbers practicing their ice climbing skills on the glacier. NW Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. Trailhead: From I-5 in Bellingham, take Exit 255 and go east on the Mt. Baker Highway (542) 31 miles to Glacier. About 1 mile past Glacier take a right on Glacier Creek Rd (FS Rd 39) and drive about 8 miles to the trailhead parking lot. (Lat:48.80187 Lon:-121.89549) Trail Guides for Heliotrope Ridge: Pacific Northwest Hiking by Ron C. Judd & Dan A. Nelson (Foghorn Press) Day Hike North Cascades by Mike McQuaide (Sasquatch Books) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Glacier Public Service Center (360) 599-2714 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Robbie Hochreiter, who has posted 24 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Nico on 10/13/2008 I ran/hiked the trail on Oct. 11, started at 10:40am. I found the trail to be perfect by my standards: nice elevation gain, not too long and breath taking views along the way. The only challenge on the trail was ice. The trail itself was covered in ice in a lot of spots. Ice also made that main stream crossing quite challenging but still doable. My advice is to start early and wear shoes with very good grip, (lots of people were wearing runners, no good) and poles are almost a must if there is a chance of ice. Can't wait to get back up there, the viewS are worth every step. 
Reviewed by Ron & Sharen on 8/26/2007 Did the hike on Aug 24. Started late and didn't make the viewpoint, but trail was in very good condition. Some muddy spots. Creek crossing were easy due to lower water levels and good work by those caring for the area. Forest is beautiful. Leave early and take full advantage of the entire hike.
Reviewed by AE on 8/31/2006 Went with 78 year old. We just took our time getting up, the path is gentle. The creek crossings are tricky if you don't like getting your feet wet. The views most rewarding. We took 4.5 hours return, with a short lunch stop at the top. It can get quite cool on a grey day even in August. Dress wisely.
Reviewed by Ron on 8/4/2006 This was my first ever trail in WA on 8/3/06. I wore work boots and brought some water and made it to the Glacier in 1.5 hours and this 53 year old just plodded along. The views and waterfalls and flowers were 5 - Stars. The last stream isn't too horrible, but you may get wet feet - so plan ahead. You've come too far not to get to the glacier's edge. Plan on taking your time (start early) and you'll be fine. I really appreciated the effort put into maintaining these trails after walking one.
Reviewed by Mike on 7/22/2006 20/07/2006 Worth every drop of water that snuck into my boots crossing the creeks. Breathtaking view of the glacier and the mountain. Creeks weren't too bad going in at 11 am, but had risen significantly by the time I left at 230pm--especially the 3rd creek. Otherwise I would have stayed all day!
Reviewed by Meagan on 9/2/2005 This is the third time I've hiked Heliotrope. Always an amazing hike. Negotiating the streams was not too bad early on in the day, but decided not to cross the last stream before the glacier. Was satisfied by the view from a dry standpoint.
Reviewed by IK on 8/20/2005 Only a little over an hour to get into views, then some steep ridge scrambling with an amazing panorama. He wasn't kidding about those creek crossings. Great hike, but if you only have time for one, do Ptarmigan.
Reviewed by greg on 3/27/2005 Hiked in October 2003. The most amazing hike. Took the climber's route to the base of Coleman glacier. The views were amazing even with only intermitant cloud breaks. The end of the trail is strenuous but well worth it. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Whatcom County Hiking, Whatcom County Trails, Whatcom County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||