Mt Baker - Heliotrope Ridge Trail (U.S.)

INTERMEDIATE HIKE

NOTE: This will be the first time I have hiked this trail so it will be Exploratory. Please also note that the 8 mile road to the trailhead off the highway is paved but apparently quite rough.

This is one of the most popular hikes in Mt Baker so finally looking forward to doing this one. There are some stream crossings so you may get a bit wet (see below). Microspikes may also be a good idea if you have them.

OVERVIEW OF HIKE

From the trailhead, the trail quickly enters the Mount Baker Wilderness and meanders gently among big trees, bridged creeks, and peek-a-boo views of Mount Baker (10,781 feet). In the summer, enjoy the full variety pack of wildflowers. Varying by year, season and conditions (rainfall, snowmelt, temperatures), the couple of water crossings encountered on the lower trail are easily managed. However it pays to remember that whatever you cross in the morning will be flowing higher and faster (sometimes significantly) in the afternoon, especially on a warm day.
Further up is a well-signed junction with the Climbers' Trail which takes off to the right while we will head left to follow the Heliotrope Ridge trail.
Almost immediately we'll come to Heliotrope Creek, the most serious water crossing on the trail. The Mount Baker Ranger District has worked in this area, making the water ankle-deep in most places, but caution is well warranted here, particularly in high water. Water can move fast and the rocks are slick. Real injuries have occurred here, so assess your abilities carefully. Trekking poles are highly recommended here, and maybe pack in water shoes, sandals or full-on rain boots (in a plastic bag). From Heliotrope Creek it's a short meadow walk to Heliotrope Ridge adjacent to the Coleman Glacier's lateral moraine with Mount Baker rising above.

Remember to buy a parking pass at the ranger station in Glacier (see below for more info).

WHEN TO LEAVE VANCOUVER AND WHERE TO MEET

Plan on leaving downtown Vancouver at 715AM and arriving at the border crossing in Abbotsford/Sumas at approximately 8:30AM. Please leave a comment to the meetup page (before crossing the border) if you are running late. We will meet at the Ranger Station (near the parking ticket machines) in Glacier at approximately 930AM-10AM, although this will depend on the lines at the border. We will then drive to the trailhead (see below for directions).

Elevation Gain: 560m
Distance: 8.5km
Hiking Time: 4 hours

DISCLOSURE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

By going on this Meetup event, you acknowledge and agree that you are participating at your own risk and are entirely responsible for your own safety getting to and from the trailhead, on the hike, and during the course of the event. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, you agree to pay for your own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not you have specifically authorized them. You also verify that you are in good health and are physically capable of carrying out this hike. Therefore, you agree to release the Meetup Group, the Organizer, the Meetup Host, and any affiliate from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury which may arise out of participation in the Meetup event, including during transportation to and from the event.

Driving Directions

If you are coming from Vancouver, cross at the Abbotsford/Sumas border crossing and drive east on the Mount Baker Highway (542) for 34 miles to the rangers station at the Glacier Public Service Center in the town of Glacier. This is where you will need to buy a $5 parking pass for your vehicle. Hopefully we will all get here around the same time. Leaving the Ranger Station, we will drive another mile and turn right on to Glacier Creek Road #39. We will drive this bumpy road for 8 miles to the parking area and trailhead, which is on the left. We will meet at the trailhead.

Please remember to give your driver some gas money ($25 to 30) and bring an empty bag for your hiking boots. Please also make sure you have a valid passport and any other required documentation, if applicable.

What You Should Bring:

Passport
Hiking boots
Hiking poles (highly recommended)
Water shoes (highly recommended)
Microspikes (recommended)
Water (at least 2 litres)
Packed Lunch
10 Essentials

No fruit or meat allowed across the border. You can stop at the Super Duper Boomtown gas station (1015 Cherry Street) in Sumas across the border and buy meat and fruit there.