We went in the evening and met some lovely people on the summit. There were patches of snow near the summit but it was still perfectly safe to walk. The Marmots tried to eat our water bottle! We got an amazing photo of them though. Stunning surroundings and colourful wildflowers all the way up. The road up to the car park is long, bumpy and winding, expect it to take 45 minutes if you're in a small car (as we were).
Always a spectacular view from the top if it is not too cloudy. Also enjoy the hike to get there, never a disappointment.
This whole side trip should be rated "expert" and some parts "just plain crazy". Okay, maybe it's not that bad but it sure isn't for the faint of heart. The 7 miles of narrow dirt logging road, that gains 4,000' in elevation, suffers from a severe lack of places to pull over if you meet another car ... so just hope you don't!! Seriously. The road, which demands your respect, is in reasonably good shape considering except for the last few hundred yards which is just a steep washed-out jeep track. I couldn't make it to the parking area. Leave your RV, MiniVan, or family car at home for this one. I drove up in my 2008 Mustang but I really didn't enjoy it; I recommend a SMALL 4-wheel drive vehicle.As far as the hike goes: it is steep and strenuous but not a killer. Definitely not an outing for the day-tripper and family from suburbia that get exhausted at the mall.The views are great so don't forget your camera!
We hiked this trail late in the afternoon in July 2013. This was a warm-up hike before heading to the North Cascades. Give yourself plenty of time if you hike late in the day, as we were hustling down the trail to beat sundown. Lots of switchbacks and increases in elevation. This trail will get your heart pumping. Great views at the summit. Great flowers and vegetation. Some wildlife.
This hike is justifiably popular, especially with families, given its short distance (about 4 miles RT) and spectacular views. You're on an open hillside with unobstructed views to the south the whole way up, and on a clear day you can see Mts. Baker and Shuksan to the north from the top. The trail is well graded and maintained. The 8-mile gravel road leading up to the top has some serious potholes at the beginning and (especially) near the top, along with a lot of washboard and some gullies at the (many) hair-pin turns, but it's manageable in a conventional car (just take it slow and be prepared for hot brakes on the way down). Parking for about 15 cars at the top, plus a pit toilet. You won't be alone up here, but the experience is worth sharing.
We hiked this trail on June 15, 2013, snow prevented us from driving to the parking area and trailhead so we parked below and hiked the snow field to the trailhead. The wildflowers were just starting to bloom in the areas where the snow had melted. This is a fairly good elevation gain, about 1,200 feet over the 3 1/2 or 4 miles. The trail is not steep because of the abundant switchbacks, the sides of the trail however, drop-off drastically. Not a difficult hike, however if you are bringing small children or anyone who might not pay close attention it might be somewhat of a concern. The service road up toward the trailhead is in good condition.
This is a popular hike in the Cascade foothills.It takes a couple hours so don't plan on rushing it. Wear good hiking boots and a bring a walking stick. There are dozens of switchbacks which help with the elevation gain. I'm over 60 and did it easily. As you approach the summit the views are absolutely stunning. To the north you look at Mt. Baker and Shuksan, To the west you can see all the way to Puget Sound. Bring a camera and binoculars, water and some snacks so that you can linger at the top.
As with most North Cascades hikes, you will walk up to the top of the mountain. A walking stick is nice for the return downhill. If you like wildflowers and are in reasonable shape this is a beautiful hike and you will be so busy admiring flowers all the way up the hill it won't be hard to climb the many switchbacks up to the top. It's best in July and August for the flowers, but the view is always stunning if you aren't in the middle of a cloud. A very popular short trail, expect to share the trail with many others. sometimes if you begin late in a summer afternoon you have it more to yourself.
Wow this hike is beautiful. Wonderful views of the Skagit river, Sauk Lake and Mt. Baker. This is a very busy hike but you can see why. Plenty of opportunity at the end of the switchbacks to allow others to pass. On the drive up and back too, you'll need to use cutouts to allow traffic to pass on the other side. Not much shade at the parking lot if you're leaving your pup in the car. There is a bathroom facility at the beginning of the hike. The elevation gain can be strenuous but plenty of shaded resting spots on the way up.
completed the trail in 3-4 hours (inclusive of the drive). Great views of Mount Baker and most of North Cascade's glaciated peaks. Safe hike and drive although it is on an unpaved road