Day Hiking North Cascades by Craig Romano

Author:Craig Romano
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Mountaineers Books

Glacial melt creek

Heading northeast, the trail skirts the Railroad Grade, glacial moraine deposited by the receding Easton Glacier. The impressive fluted heap of tilled rock and soil looks like a train trestle marching up the mountain. Chugging under the Railroad Grade the trail makes a slight descent to Rocky Creek where a suspension bridge from July through September safely transports you across (crossing can be dangerous without the bridge—check with the Forest Service to make sure it's in place).

Now begin climbing. On the way up Metcalfe Moraine, on a slow and sometimes rocky route, the snout of Easton Glacier and Baker's Black Buttes come into view. Gray gives way to green as moraine yields to meadow. Views! Baker breathes down upon you. Look back at the Railroad Grade, Park Butte, and the Twin Sisters.

Reaching a high point of 5200 feet, the trail contours the glacier-clad volcano. For the next 2 miles, undulate between moraine and meadow, rock gardens and parklands. Hovering at an elevation of around 5000 feet, it's pure alpine splendor. Gaze out to Sloan, Glacier, Pugh, Whitehorse, and Three Fingers—all distinguishable peaks on the southern horizon. You'll encounter several creeks along the way—easy rock hops or tricky boot soakers, depending on recent rainfall and snowmelt.

Eventually begin losing elevation to arrive at a meadowed saddle (elev. 4600 ft) offering outstanding views of Baker's “pointy peak,” Sherman and Mount Shuksan looming in the distance. Now on excellent tread, commence an easy on the knees descent through huckleberry patches and giant hemlock groves to close the loop and arrive at the trailhead in 2.5 miles.

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