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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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by Jeff Mo on 10/3/2004 Amazing hike I absolutely loved it. Besides the trek through the forest which seems like it never ends once you get up and see baker and the glacier so close its amazing. Check it out for sure.
Reviewed by Nomi on 8/8/2004 Strenuous - I am fit, fat and fifty-nine so took my time!100% worth it. Awesome. Rushing rivers both challenging and cooling on a blazing day. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||