Tag Archives: mt baker

Of all the seasons, autumn is unquestionably the glory time in the North Cascades. The high country is open for exploration, the snow mostly gone, the bugs done for the season, and the meadows are ablaze in a kaleidoscope of vibrant color. The crowds––like the insects–– have thinned, and the nights are crisp and ablaze with stars. The sense of …

The weather wasn’t ideal. The views weren’t guaranteed. Before I left home, I made myself a promise: if I was going to spend the day on the mountain, I wasn’t just going to see it—I was going to experience it. Somewhere between the clouds, the wildflowers, and a hidden glacier, I discovered that the greatest gifts are often the ones …

The Wilderness Land Trust recently completed the transfer of 21 acres of previously private lands to public ownership within Washington’s Mount Baker Wilderness, adding them to the designated wilderness area.  Nationwide, there are over 275,000 acres of private property, known as inholdings, within designated wilderness areas. Unlike the surrounding wilderness, the acreage is not protected and can be developed with …

Hannegan Peak Few hikes in the North Cascades offer a better, more intimate view of Mt. Shuksan than the hike to Hannegan Peak. The trek up the Ruth Creek Valley is beautiful in its own right, a tonic for the winter-weary soul. After a brief, rigorous climb to Hannegan Pass, turn left on the trail to the peak, then hike …

For nearly half my life, the Cascade Mountains have shaped how I see the world. Mount Baker, in particular, called to me the first time I hiked its flanks in 2002. I knew then I needed to live here. That instinct became a life. For 24 years, this region has been both home and muse, offering endless variations of light, …

The sojourn to Huntoon Point is a study in contrasts – it starts amidst the hustle and bustle of the Mt. Baker Ski Area and ends in the serene silence of Kulshan Ridge, where the icy winds blowing off the glaciers will cleanse your soul. If there’s a snowshoe trip with more scenic bang for the buck in the North …

Ah, weekends: all hopes for outdoor activities focused on two rather brief days, followed by a seemingly endless five-day commitment to work, errands, responsibilities, and sensible bedtimes. The day’s forecast looked unpromising, but I had to work the following day. My options were stark: sit around at home and continue to monitor my increasing girth….or ski. I chose to ski. …

Windy Pass The hike to Windy Pass is one of the most user-friendly hikes in the North Cascades. Suitable as a day hike or (better still) backpack, this stretch of the PCT literally glides along an open ridge with splendid views, starting right at the trailhead. In fact, the Windy Pass Trailhead is the highest automobile-accessible trailhead in Washington. Round-trip …

Everything feels familiar driving up Glacier Creek Road to the Heliotrope Ridge trailhead. I’ve been backpacking for decades, to more trailheads than I could possibly remember, and I’ve been on this trail on more than one occasion. But today is different. For the first time, my goal is the summit of Mt. Baker. We shoulder our packs and start hiking, …

Hiking through the Cascades in autumn fills me with a quiet peace found nowhere else. The cool, crisp mountain air feels clean and alive, carrying a stillness that settles deep within. Each step along the trail quiets my thoughts, allowing me to take in the magical beauty surrounding me. Hillsides blaze with deep reds, golden yellows, and rich ambers—like wildflower …