Heliotrope Ridge
| Distance: | 5 miles | |
| Time: | 4 hours | |
| Elevation Gain: | 1700ft | |
| Rating: |  |
Description:
This extraordinarily busy trail leads hikers from dense old growth forest to flower filled avalanche chutes, over rocky moraines, to the snowy alpine zone. The trail starts by crossing Grouse Creek on a stout bridge and then plunges into deep forest, climbing steadily. The dense forest begins to thin as hikers climb higher, and huckleberries are abundant along the trail. Just below treeline is the former site of the Kulshan Cabin. Above treeline, the terrain is rocky with herbaceous vegetation and numerous streams. Mt. Baker looms above.
About 2.0 miles from the trailhead there is a junction in the trail. This is the end of the maintained trail. The right fork leads to the Coleman Glacier climbers' route to Mt. Baker's 10,781 foot summit. Taking the left fork, hikers can continue east and scramble to a lateral moraine deposited by receding glaciers. From this overlook, the Coleman Glacier is an awesome sight, spilling down Mt. Baker's flanks into a jumble of ice. Look carefully down in the ice blocks (seracs)--climbers are often seen practicing their ice climbing skills.
Caution: Late snow can be a potential hazard to trail users in early to mid summer. Glacial crevasses, exposed or unexposed, are also hazardous. Hikers should never venture onto a glacier without proper alpine climbing gear and experience. To do so is to invite serious injury or worse.
Hikers will encounter several stream crossings along the Heliotrope Ridge Trail. The depth of these streams fluctuates greatly depending upon various conditions including snowmelt, recent rainfall and time of day. These crossings are potentially hazardous. A stream, which is easily crossed in the morning, can become a raging torrent by afternoon. Use extreme caution to reduce the risk of injury and damage to stream banks.
This trail enters the Mt. Baker Wilderness, limiting party size to 12. No fires are allowed.
Directions:
From Glacier, travel east on the Mt. Baker Highway 542 for approximately 1.0 mile to Glacier Creek Road (Forest Service Road #39). Turn right on F.S. Road #39. Follow Road #39 for about 8.0 miles. The parking area and trailhead are located on the left hand side of the road. A toilet is provided at the trailhead
