Skyline Divide Hike Mt Baker Washington

This about 9-mile out-and-back trail near Maple Falls, Washington is generally considered a challenging route and it takes an average of about 5 hours to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through November. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

These pictures were taken a couple of years ago and I was planning on doing this hike again and then I saw this: INDEFINITE ROAD CLOSURE: as of July 2022, the road leading to this trailhead is closed indefinitely, but the trail itself is open.

With the road being closed to the trailhead it puts an extra 9 miles on the hike because the bridge was destroyed due to flooding at the 3-mile marker.

If you plan on doing this hike, I recommend coming in late August or anytime during September. If you come between April and mid-August, you will have to wear a head net because the bugs here are that bad. The first time I came was in July and with all of the bugs it really wasn't my favorite hike. Then I did this hike a year later at the end of August and it is definitely one of my favorite hikes.

The trail offers views of rivers, forests and countless peaks. An unmaintained boot path, recommended for experienced hikers, continues on to follow Chowder Ridge. Flowers and biting insects are abundant in July and early August. The bugs abate in September, and the foliage begins to change into fall hues. Carry drinking water, as there is none available along the trail except in early summer when enough snow remains to melt for water.

As for the road leading to the trailhead I would recommend having a 4-wheel drive vehicle with good clearance because of the potholes, ruts, and rocks. Also bring a spare tire because the rocks are very jagged and can cause flat tires. I did stop at one point to help someone with a Subaru having a flat.

The view of Mt Baker above is worth the trip. When you add in the alpine meadows and all of the wildflowers it's a bonus. You are in Alpine territory. This route climbs 2,670 ft with a max elevation of 6,556 ft then descends -2,668 ft. If you plan on doing this hike or have done it let me know what you think.

There is a permit required to hike the trail which is $5 or if you have a Valid Washington State Recreation Pass that would work also. There is the possibility of seeing Black Bears here so if you are not comfortable with that, I would recommend buying what are called Bear Bells.

A bear bell is a small 1.5-inch bell with either a thick velcro strap or a carabiner used for attachment. You can attach it to the outside your backpack, waist belt or any other external piece of gear.

Contrary to popular belief, bear bells are not meant to scare a bear. They are designed to warn a bear (and other animals - cougars, etc) of your presence, so you don't accidentally startle them. It's this surprise meeting between a hiker and a bear that can lead to a tense standoff or, potentially, an attack. As your body moves while hiking, the bell will inevitably jingle loud enough that anyone or anything in the immediate area can hear it.

NOTE: I have used Bear Bells when I've hiked in the past especially when I was in Colorado and have not had an issue. There is a huge debate on whether they really work or not. Some people say the bears will treat the noice like a bird and ignore it while others say bears may be attracted to the noise. Again they have worked for me.