Seattle Hiking Community

Park Butte Lookout Trail - Spectacular Mt. Baker Views

Sat, Sep 19 · 7:00 AM PDT

Wilburton Park and Ride, 720 114th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA, US

We'll hike Park Butte Lookout Trail with incredible views of Mt. Baker and its glaciers on our way to an historic fire lookout. There will be unobstructed panoramic views of Baker, the Twin Sisters, and the rest of the North Cascades, as well as wildflower-filled alpine meadows and a stunning variety of mushroom species to look for.

We'll be making friends, staying fit, being polite and having fun!

We will first meet at the Wilburton P&R. Carpooling is encouraged but you are also welcome to meet us at Park Butte Lookout Trailhead (48.707, -121.812).

Hike Info
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Length: 7.9 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2100 feet
Highest Elevation: ~5,450 feet
Location: Near Mt. Baker
Road: The last mile of (unpaved dirt roads) NF-12 and NF-13 is very rough.

Parking Permit
A Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) is required. See https://www.wta.org/go-outside/passes

Attendance
We try to keep our group size to around 10 - 20 (more or less) as a courtesy to other hikers on the trail, and to reduce crowds and cars in the parking lot. The Going list may have a larger number to accommodate no-shows.

Folks on the Wait list may not attend until they are moved to the Going list. When folks drop from the Going list, people are added from the Wait list.

Carpooling
We will limit total attendees while drivers are selected from the Wait list. Drivers will be placed first as Going, and then we will fill with passengers as space allows, so everyone who comes to the P&R has a ride to the trail.

Riders MUST reimburse drivers for gas. Reimburse a minimum of $40 if one passenger, $20 for two passengers, and $15 for three passengers. Cash, Venmo, or Zelle.

What to Bring
Athletic and winter clothing & rain gear - Weather can change in the mountains!
Hiking shoes/boots
Water, snacks & lunch
Sun protection
Bug spray
Ten hiking essentials

Schedule
7:00 am: Meet at the Wilburton P&R (OK to bring morning coffee and breakfast).
7:15 am: Drive to trailhead directions
~ 9:45 am: Arrive at trailhead
~ 5-6 hours of hiking with stops for food, photos
~ 4:00 pm: Back at trailhead
-> Stop for food / coffee on way back (optional)
~ 6:30 pm: Arrive back at Wilburton P&R (later if stopping)

Links
AllTrails
WTA

Attendees: Be sure to update your status if things change so others can attend.

Disclaimer: When you RSVP and attend this hike you are accepting that you are fully aware that you are responsible for your own safety. You agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the hike host from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from any injury or damage. Always be aware of your own physical abilities and go on this hike prepared.

Chain Lakes Loop - Incredible Views!

Sun, Sep 20 · 7:00 AM PDT

Wilburton Park and Ride, 720 114th Avenue Southeast, Bellevue, WA, US

This Sunday we'll hike around Chain Lakes Loop up on the northeast side of Mt. Baker. This trail is famous for its incredible views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan, and is a personal favorite that I visit every season! Besides the mountains, we'll see beautiful wildflowers and lots of gorgeous alpine lakes. We will start at Artist Point and go counterclockwise around the trail.

We'll be making friends, staying fit, being polite and having fun!

We will first meet at Wilburton Park and Ride. Carpooling from there is encouraged but you are also welcome to meet us at Chain Lakes Loop Trailhead (48.847, -121.693).

Hike Info
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6-7 miles
Elevation Gain: ~1800 feet
Highest Elevation: ~5400 feet
Location: Mt. Baker

The current AQI forecast for this area is green, but if the forecast changes this hike may be moved or cancelled.

Parking/Entrance Permit
America the Beautiful or Northwest Forest Pass

Attendance
We try to keep our group size to around a dozen as a courtesy to other hikers on the trail, and to reduce crowds and cars in the parking lot. The Going list may have a larger number to accommodate no-shows.

Folks on the Wait list may not attend until they are moved to the Going list. If folks drop from the Going list, the host will add more people from the Wait list.

Carpooling
We will limit total attendees while drivers are selected from the Wait list. Drivers will be placed first as Going, and then we will fill with passengers as space allows, so everyone who comes to the P&R has a ride to the trail.

Riders MUST reimburse drivers for gas. Reimburse a minimum of $50 if one passenger, $25 for two passengers, and $20 for three passengers. Cash, Venmo, or Zelle.

What to Bring
Athletic clothing & rain gear
Swimsuit (if you want to swim)
Hiking shoes/boots
Water, snacks & lunch
Sun protection
Bug spray
Ten hiking essentials

Schedule
7am: Meet at Wilburton P&R (OK to bring morning coffee and breakfast)
7:10am: Leave P&R
-> Stop at Mt. Vernon Safeway for coffee, food, restroom, etc. (optional)
~10am: Arrive at trailhead
~4-5 hours of hiking with stops for food, photos
~3pm: Back at trailhead
-> Stop for food on way back at Gunners Tex Mex BBQ in Glacier (optional)
~6pm: Arrive back at Wilburton P&R (later if stopping)

Links
AllTrails
WTA
Washington Smoke Blog

Attendees: Be sure to update your status if things change so others can attend.

Disclaimer: When you RSVP and attend this hike, you are accepting that you are fully aware that you are responsible for your own safety. You agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the hike host from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from any injury or damage. Always be aware of your own physical abilities and go on this hike prepared.