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This is a steep 4.4-mile (one-way) trail with amazing views of Shuksan, Baker, meadow and lakes.


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Map Key

8.6

Miles

13.9

KM

Out and Back

5,980' 1,823 m

High

2,370' 722 m

Low

3,639' 1,109 m

Up

3,640' 1,109 m

Down

16%

Avg Grade (9°)

51%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Check Glacier Information for road and trail conditions. In 2017, there were reports of trees down across the road and snow in the meadow through June. The parking lot is somewhat small and fills in the mornings on nice weekends.

Overview

This trail starts out steep with lots of switchbacks through the trees, then opens up at three miles to a beautiful meadow with creeks, wildflowers, and amazing views of Shuksan and Baker on a clear day. Continue up above the trees for even better views of the mountains and Kidney Lakes on the opposite side.

Need to Know

Be advised that there is a narrow one-lane road that leads up to the trailhead. There is also a small creek crossing near the top of the road, so a vehicle with high clearance is recommended. The parking lot located at the trailhead holds approximately 25 cars. There is a pit toilet at the trailhead.

Description

The trail starts with a moderate grade through the trees. After about a 1/2 mile, the grade picks up. For the first three miles it is a pretty steady uphill climb on many switchbacks. You are in the trees/shade which is very nice on warmer days. The trail is somewhat narrow. I used poles and had one consistently on the uphill slope.

After three miles, there is a small creek crossing, but this is quite easy and only a few feet wide. Then you are welcomed to a large meadow. Everything opens up, and depending on season there will be lots of wildflowers. With some luck, turn left and look through the trees for views of Mt Shuksan and Mt Baker. The trail is fairly flat here for a bit, which makes it a prime location to take in the views.

Cross a larger creek (several feet wide, few inches deep, some slippery rocks) and continue around the meadow. You'll start climbing again and the views just keep getting better and better. Near the top, you'll have a nice view above the trees of nearby mountains. This makes a good stopping point, or you can continue up the last scramble to the peak.

There are metal cables for holding on as the trail gets quite narrow and rocky with some loose gravel/dirt. At the top, you can see Kidney Lakes on the other side, panoramic views of the mountains and the meadow below. Note that once you get to the top of the climb with the metal cable that is the false summit, if you wish to keep going to the top there is another short section to the true summit.

Once you've taken in the view, return the way that you came to reach the trailhead and your vehicle.

Flora & Fauna

Wildflowers galore (and unfortunately bugs).

Contacts

Shared By:

Anne Pelton with improvements by Justin Daniels

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 8 votes

#2627

Overall
  4.5 from 8 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#173

in Washington

#2,627

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3 Views Last Month
2,847 Since Jul 17, 2017
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Photos

Wildflowers from the meadow
Jul 17, 2017 near Peacefu…, WA
Wildflowers (and plenty of bugs)
Jul 17, 2017 near Peacefu…, WA
Mt Baker (in the clouds), wildflowers and nice trail through the meadow
Jul 17, 2017 near Peacefu…, WA
Wide open meadow with the peak in view
Jul 17, 2017 near Peacefu…, WA
Narrow part up near the top, tricky to pass people on this section.
Jul 17, 2017 near Peacefu…, WA
Mt Shuksan from the meadow
Jul 17, 2017 near Peacefu…, WA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 24, 2021
Jeff Cook
8.6mi — 4h 29m
Aug 12, 2018
Abby Trimble
Peak was socked in when we arrived, so I guess we'll have to come back and do it again! 8.6mi
Aug 5, 2018
Kim Becker
Lots of bugs , but worth it for the beautiful views at the top. Not crowded either ! 8.6mi
Jul 17, 2018
DeWayne Lyman
17 switchbacks, a walk through a meadow and a final push up the hillside lead to breathtaking 360 views 8.6mi
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