Skyline Divide Trail is one of my favorite trails in Washington. It is in the Mount Baker Area in Snoqualmie National Forest. You head up a series of switchbacks and before you know it, you are on this ridge line and it can last as long as you want it to really. This area can be used as day-hiking and as backpacking. You can get some serious camp spots up here!
When I went, there was soooo many wildflowers! It was so beautiful! You are right by the Canadian border so you get to enjoy the scenery of the Canadian Rockies! You are hiking on a continuous 6,000 foot ridge line, so it’s vista after vista! The main trail leads you closer and closer to Mount Baker, so you are gradually getting closer to this Volcano the farther you walk.
Some of the wonderful wildflowers!
If you want to either have a crazy strenuous long day hike or a backpacking trip, you can walk all the way to Heliotrope ridge. I also have this hike on my website. If you want to check it out, here is the link.
https://livingonthedirt.com/heliotrope-ridge-mount-baker-area/
You do need to park two cars at each trail head, but I bet this hike would be a remarkable one!
If your going on an overnight hike, a highly recommend getting a TOPO map of the area.
If you want to read more about this hike, the Washington trails association does a great job. I posted a link to it below.
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/skyline-divide
I made this short video of my experience below. Hope you enjoy!
Directions:
Skyline Divide Trail is just west of North Cascades National Park. If you go to Sedro Valley, the biggest town closest to the trail head, you continute on route 9 (North.) Turn Right on 542/Mount Baker Highway. Go passed the town of Glacier, which is very small. Then turn Right on Glacier Creek Road/NF-39. Right away you will see a trail sign. If you go straight you will head to Heliotrope Ridge, another cool hike. If you turn left, you will head to Skyline.
Warning: The drive to skyline divide trail is a very long and bumpy ride.
My little Chevy cruise did it so I think just about any vehicle can handle it. It will just be a pretty slow ride to the trail head.
Hope you have a great day/night.
Sincerely,
Shelly/Livingonthedirt
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