Heliotrope Ridge and Coleman Glacier

If you'd like nose-to-nose access to Mount Baker, this first-rate woodsy walk delivers. Over a well-maintained and well used trail with graded elevation gain, you can be glacier-side in no time if the creek crossings allow. They can be challenging, but always crossable if you permit yourself to get wet. Water footwear is necessary. Due to the crashing water these are not bare foot crossings and poles help resist the pull downstream. That said most people this year complain more about the road in.
There are options once past the woods walk and into the meadows. As a group we will consider backtracking to the Climbers' Trail junction and exploring a bit. True to form, the Climbers' Trail climbs steeply and directly up the neighboring Hogsback Ridge and gains elevation quickly, 900 feet in half a mile. We will not go onto the glacier or any snowfields.

More: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/heliotrope-ridge#hike-full-description

This trailhead shares access to the most popular climbing route on Mount Baker. The road in was in great shape one day long ago but is now suffering. Low clearance vehicles are making it up the eight miles but there are some degraded areas requiring care.

As always bring the ten essentials and as always be prepared for changeable mountain weather. This is an organized trip, not a guided trip. Each person is responsible for themself as typical for Bellingham HIking Co op outings. Mountain hiking competence is assumed.

Six miles RT, 1500 feet gain (and loss), highest point 5200'.
Side trip to Climbers Camp adds 1 mile RT, 900 foot additional gain (and loss).

Trailhead comes up on Google Maps by searching for 'Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead'. The Glacier Creek road turns off Hwy 542 one mile past Glacier townsite and the actual time is slower than estimated. There is no cell service past Maple falls.
Boots on the trail at 8.30am. Please RSVP as a courtesy to everyone. The Bellingham Hiking Co op keeps their hiking groups small to encourage a quality mountain experience. Option for pizza at North Fork Brewery afterwards. Greg Aanes, trip leader cell 360-224-6166.