At 10,781 feet, Mount Baker looms majestically over the Pacific Northwest. On clear days, the sun beats off the Coleman Glacier and beckons hikers and climbers to visit. About one third of all the glaciers in the lower 48 states are located in the North Cascades National Park. Today we chose to hike the Heliotrope Ridge trail up through the old growth forest to the Coleman Glacier. This is one of our favourite day hikes and something that families can easily enjoy together.
For a glimpse of the hike, check out this 360 degree panorama photosphere shot from Heliotrope Ridge. It's the next best thing to being there!
Children will delight in the numerous stream crossings, bridges, boardwalks, switchbacks, waterfalls, and incredible views of the glacier including glimpses of ice-climbers in action.
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| Mt. Baker looms above |
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| One of the many waterfalls along the trail |
Our day began with a giggle! The fridge was empty so we decided to make a quick stop at the Subway in Glacier on our way to the mountain. We painstakingly and deliberately worked with the sandwich artist to create a sub fit for royalty. We knew we had a long hike ahead and wanted lunch to be worthy of the effort....really, it is always about the food! Delighted with our choices we went to the cashier to pay. Of course, we were not carrying US cash, so we needed to charge our purchase. Unfortunately, the point of sale system wasn't working. It was a glorious day and we were anxious to get to the mountain, so before I knew what was happening Rob was behind the counter, rebooting their router and troubleshooting their wireless network. Another remote service call and another happy customer!
Backpacks full of delectable delights we headed for our next stop, the Ranger Station in Glacier to purchase our Parks pass. Nestled in the forest, the Ranger Station is absolutely beautiful - quaint and charming. As you walk around the grounds you fully expect to run into Yogi and Boo Boo Bear. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and welcome any and all questions about the trails, forest and parks. They will provide you with up to date information on trail conditions and/or closures.
After leaving the main highway, the trail head to Heliotrope Ridge is about 8 miles up a forest service road. The road is windy and narrow so you must drive with caution. We laughed to ourselves as we delighted in the climb. With every mile we travelled to the trail head in the car, we knew we were saving a mile of climbing on our feet. I contemplated that maybe this delight in car travel is a sign of age?
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| Route map at Heliotrope Ridge Trail Head |
The trail follows numerous switchbacks through the old growth forest as you begin your climb. Today the light in the forest was almost magical and we spent a lot of time photographing the forest floor and trees.
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The trail is very popular and can be quite busy, so we welcomed the opportunity to chat with other hikers as we passed. It is quite a cross-section of people who frequent the trail: families, young and old, scientists studying the glacier, ice-climbers, snowboarders, skiers, and numerous four legged adventurers. We enjoyed meeting them all and learning more about what draws them to the mountain.
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| Avid skier heads up the trail |
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| Even the four legged visitors pack it in and pack it out! |
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| As the trees begin to thin you are treated to your first glimpse of the glacier |
We navigated our final stream crossing and made our way to the ridge. Numerous ice-climbers were practicing their skills. It was inspiring to watch them work hard for every inch of vertical gain. We stopped for lunch and sat in complete silence as we took in the sights and sounds of the mountain. We were incredibly lucky to have such a perfect day - it was warm and clear, we could see for miles!
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| Rob attempts to stay dry during one of the many creek crossings |
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| Look closely - how many ice climbers do you see? |
After lunch, we decided to climb a little higher...the clear, blue glacier ice was mesmerizing and we couldn't bring ourselves to leave without getting just a little bit closer. The climb quickly became much steeper and a little trickier was we tried to navigate across the loose rock. At one point I was on all fours, clinging to the rock when I glanced up to see a mountain man bouncing across the rocks. I quickly tried to collect my dignity and stand up to greet him. His name was James and he looked like a Greek God! He was shirtless, tanned, athletic with long flowing mountain man hair. Rob, teased me, that if we really wanted to encourage more young ladies to hike, maybe James should be our model and spokesman!
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| The glacier blue ice is stunning under the clear blue sky |
We took a break and visited for quite a while. James was an avid hiker and shared stories of his hike the previous weekend to Ptarmigan Ridge . Today he was in search of his buddy RJ. They had become separated at the last creek crossing. We asked if he needed help, but he didn't seem to worried. In his words, "Heh, worst case we can meet back at the car." Of course, being a neurotic mother, I had visions of RJ laying hurt in a crevasse, but James did not seem to share my worries.
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| Jane auditions for the Sound of Music - the hills are alive..... |
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| Vegetation is sparse as you gain elevation |
We spent considerable time photographing the glacier, and then reluctantly decided to turn around and head back to the trail head before we lost daylight. On our way down we came across two ice-climbers. One of them had twisted his knee during his climb and was really struggling with the downhill hike. We offered to help, by taking some of the weight from his very heavy backpack, but I think pride may have stopped him from accepting help. I imagine the weekend warrior story of conquering the climb isn't quite as impressive when you have to end the story with details about 2 middle aged, slightly overweight Canadians helping you down the mountain!
Giggle of the day:
The washroom facilities on the trail are definitely 5 star....check out this View from the Loo!
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| A Loo with a View |
Map and Route Tips:
Remember to stop by the Ranger Station and purchase your recreation pass.
Check trail and road conditions - the road to the trail head has been subject to wash-outs.
There are several stream crossings. Water levels vary greatly depending on time of year and time of day. Take hiking poles! You will get wet!
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| Sometimes you just have to go for it and get wet! |
Trail head - go east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 for about one mile to Glacier Creek Road. (Forest Service Road 39). Turn right on Glacier Creek Road and continue for 8 miles to the trail head parking lot. Outhouse is at the trail head.
Trail map marked in green.
#hike #nature #glacier #pacificnw #discoveroutdoors #photosphere #mtbaker
