Hiking Park Butte in the Mount Baker Wilderness

 

 

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The Park Butte trail is a must-do 7.5 mile out-and-back hike in the Mount Baker area. It leads through meadows, forests, tarn lakes and up to a historic fire lookout with stellar views.

From the trailhead, you'll wind through a wildflower-filled meadow before ascending alongside the rushing waters of Sulphur Creek and Rocky Creek, which can run dangerously high in the afternoon, you'll enter an old-growth forest and continue your ascent.

Next, you will continue through meadows and past alpine tarns. Here you may encounter the resident yellow-bellied marmots. These large squirrels frequently sound their shrill alarm calls.

The final rocky push brings you to the Park Butte Lookout at 5,450 feet. From its deck, you're treated to a 360-degree panorama of Mount Baker's glaciated summit, the Twin Sisters, Black Buttes, and Nooksack River valley.

Logistics:

Restroom available at the start of the hike only. 

Northwest Forest pass needed.

To reach the trailhead, take exit 230 off Interstate 5 in Burlington and head east on the North Cascades Highway (SR-20) for approximately 23 miles. After passing milepost 82, turn left onto Baker Lake Road. Continue along this road for 12.3 miles until you reach FR 12, which will be marked by a sign at the bridge before the road junction. Turn left onto FR 12 and follow it for 3.7 miles until you reach FR 13. At this point, take a right onto FR 13 and proceed for 5.3 miles until you arrive at the trailhead parking area. There are some potholes on the dirt road.

It's important to note that cellular reception and internet connectivity might be poor or unreliable in the hiking area, so it's advisable to download any necessary maps or directions beforehand. Additionally, it's recommended to inform others of your hiking plans and expected return time, as communication may be limited during your trek.