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Skyline Divide

Address

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
Forest Road 37
Glacier , WA
(360 856-5700

Review

The Skyline Divide is a long ridge of meadows and pleasant knolls that point you toward the dramatic crevassed glaciers of Mt. Baker. Of interest to early gold prospectors and climbers since the 1800s, neither gold nor a good route up Mt. Baker were ever found. Today’s alpine travelers will be satisfied with the gold of flowers and the brilliant sunshine.

The trail begins at nearly 4,300 feet and climbs through forest and flowered meadows for about 2 miles before emerging suddenly on the open ridge. From here you can wander south toward Mount Baker and the views get better with every knoll and bump that you pass by or hike over. You can enjoy the views with as little as a six-mile hike but plan on a 12-mile round trip and 3,000 feet of gain if you want to reach the end at Chowder Ridge.

On the way back, enjoy the views of the High Divide across the Nooksack Valley, but don’t be too dazzled and walk past the trail junction that leads back down off the ridge. While popular with backcountry skiers and early season hikers, snow and fog can make following the trail difficult so it is wise to check the Glacier Public Service Center for current trail conditions.

If you're ready to enjoy a little of nature’s "gold," visit the treasures that Skyline Ridge has to offer.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 9/19/2001

Directions

Head east on the Mount Baker Highway (Route 542) to about 1 mile east of Glacier. Turn right onto Glacier Creek Road (Forest Road 39) and make an immediate left onto Deadhorse Road (FR 37) and drive the gravel road to the end, about 15 miles.
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