Savor summer with a hike, fall is around the bend

(Above) As the trees thin, flowered sub-alpine meadows usher hikers toward the summit of Park Butte. PHOTO BY JEREMIAH O While many outdoor enthusiasts flock to hikes in Mount Baker National Recreation Area during the dog days of summer seeking stunning mountain views silhouetted by clear blue skies, late-season hikers are afforded a glimpse of seasonal change on less crowded trails.

Three popular trails, Park Butte, Railroad Grade and Scott Paul, are accessible from one trailhead (Park Butte Trail No. 603) near Baker Lake northeast of Sedro Woolley.

All three provide majestic views of Mount Baker and its glaciers.

However, as fall approaches early in the mountains, views tend to be obstructed by clouds and fog. Nevertheless, hikers can turn their gaze to lush meadows filled with wildflowers, heather and an abundance of blueberries underfoot.

Park Butte Trail begins in Schriebers Meadow and enters the Mount Baker Wilderness along a steep, winding path to a permanent lookout atop a rocky landing.

Leaving Morovitz Meadow, the trail turns rocky and meanders along high ridges. PHOTO BY ADAM STEWART | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS The first mile is relatively flat and secluded and includes crossing Rocky Creek, which has become safer with the installation of a narrow, yet sturdy temporary bridge.

After the crossing, the trail climbs and switchbacks through forest before reaching a junction with the Scott Paul Trail, a 6-mile loop through alpine meadows.

Stay left to exit the forest and meander through Morovitz Meadow at 4,700 feet.

Another left at the second junction situates hikers past Pocket Lake on sub-alpine terrain before the trail drives steeply for another mile toward the lookout at 5,400 feet. On a clear, crisp day, hikers have views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters range, Glacier Peak and Mount Rainer.

If weather is rolling in, the lookout provides a dry spot to rest weary legs and enjoy a packed-in lunch. A volunteer group maintains the building and its contents.

Jetting toward Mount Baker, Railroad Grade Trail has designated campsites for hikers. Climbers continue to high camps between 5,500- to 7,000-feet, prior to attempting the summit. Hikers should stop atop the moraine at the base of the glacier.

Both Park Butte and Railroad Grade trails are 7 miles round trip. The Mount Baker Ranger District lists these hikes as “more difficult” with an elevation gain of at least 2,200 feet. The terrain varies from open meadows to covered forest and rocky steps. In wet weather, areas of the path become muddy and slick.

Because the base of the trail is open to stock, hikers and climbers, and is the starting point for three separate hikes, it can become congested at spots of narrow passage. However, there is plenty of space to negotiate the occasional bottleneck.

Bring plenty of water and nourishment, even for a dayhike. Overnighters can crash at campsites on a first-come first-serve basis. Late-season hiking requires proper preparation, including extra layers as weather can change quickly at high elevations.

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle parked at the trailhead and is available at the Mount Baker Ranger District office in Sedro Woolley.

To get to the trailhead, take State Route 20 east from Sedro-Woolley for 16 miles to milepost 82, turn left (north) onto Baker Lake Highway. At 12 miles, turn left on Forest Service Road 12. Follow the gravel road to Forest Service Road 13. Stay to the right and continue for 5.3 miles to the trailhead.