Dogs Unknown
Features
Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife
Watch for snow in late spring/early summer. A NW Forest Service Pass is required for parking.
Need to Know
This can be turned into a self-shuttled loop by leaving a bike at the TH (or where the road to the TH meets the main road) and ride it (mostly) downhill back to the starting point. It is about 5 miles. The traffic is fine for riding, but I wouldn't want to run it.
Description
This trail starts off slow, then starts uphill on somewhat long/winding switchbacks. Overall, the trail is in great condition, offering a nice glimpse of a waterfall adjacent to the sole campsite at 1 mile.
From here, continue uphill to navigate a few steps/logs that are in place to help you with the steeper parts. You're pretty much in the trees/shade most of the way up.
Around 2.5 miles in, enjoy a few brief glimpses of sky before diving back into the trees. At about 4 miles, you'll break into a nice meadow.
While the trail continues along the meadow (a good place for flowers in the summer), take a moment to turn around for a nice view of Mount Baker.
Continue across the meadow and up a bit more to get to the intersection with the
Damfino Lakes Trail #625. It's fairly open at the top, but you can continue up to the peak for a nice 360 view and a great place for a break. It can get pretty chilly/windy on the top, so bring a wind or rain layer to stay comfortable.
The trail continues along the ridge line to the east, and this is where the trail earns its name. It continues for about 6 miles with one view constantly turning into another. Views of Baker and Shuksan to the south alternate with views of into Canada and across other peaks to the north. You'll likely have the trail to yourself as everyone seems to turn around at the summit behind you. That is their loss and your gain. Enjoy the solitude and the views.
When you get to the other end of the ridge, the trail will descend steeply along a smooth dirt singletrack to the trailhead. The trail is in shockingly good shape for being so steep and the run down is a blast with a ton of switchbacks.
Flora & Fauna
There are quite a few flowers in the meadow, and several chipmunks/squirrels and birds up at the peak.
Contacts
Shared By:
Anne Pelton
with improvements
by Karl W
and 1 other
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