River Rafting Seattle WA

Activities: Hiking, Fishing

Info:
State: Washington
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Length: One-Way: 2.6 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 800 feet
Elevation Change: 200 feet
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.

Description: The Baker River Trail is a low elevation hike which travels through stands of majestic old growth timber, past beaver ponds teeming with wildlife and ends at the confluence of Baker River and Sulphide Creek. Because of its low elevation, this trail is able to be hiked most of the year. Be prepared for wet stream crossings during times of high snowmelt runoff in early summer. The trail reaches the Baker River Bridge in 0.6 miles. This is the junction with Baker Lake Trail #610, which follows the eastern shore of Baker Lake south for 14.0 miles. Stay left to continue on Baker River Trail. In one mile, the Baker River Trail enters the North Cascades National Park, limiting party size to 12. No dogs are allowed beyond this point. Another mile beyond this point campsites are available at Sulphide Camp. A National Park Service wilderness permit is required for overnight stays within the National Park. Permits can be obtained in person at National Park Service offices in Sedro-Woolley or Marblemount.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Washington
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Length: One-Way: 3 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 3300 feet
Elevation Change: 1600 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.

Description: The Railroad Grade Trail is accessed by following the Park Butte Trail (#603) to its junction with the Railroad Grade Trail at the 2.25-mile mark. The Park Butte Trail begins in meadows covered with heather and huckleberries and crosses Rocky Creek on a seasonal suspension bridge that is usually in place between July and October. Rocky Creek can sometimes change course during periods of heavy runoff; expect some unbridged stream crossings before and after Rocky Creek Bridge, which may be hazardous in the afternoon as water levels, rise. After the first mile the trail begins to climb a series of switchbacks through the forest, reaching a junction with Scott Paul Trail (#603.1). Stay left at the junction and continue on the Park Butte Trail to Morovitz Meadows. The open meadows offer spectacular views of glacier-capped Mt. Baker. Standing at 10,781 feet, Mt. Baker is an active volcano and steam can be seen rising from Sherman Crater. Wander through the meadows until reaching a fork in the trail. The left fork leads to the Park Butte Lookout. Stay to the right at the junction for the Railroad Grade Trail (#603.2). The trail leads up stairs of stone to the edge of a glacial moraine deposited by the recession of Mt. Baker’s Easton Glacier. The trail lies within the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area and is a popular approach for climbers attempting to summit Mt. Baker. Climbing parties are encouraged to sign the climbers’ register at the Mt. Baker District Office in Sedro-Woolley before entering the backcountry. Camping is allowed only in designated camps along the Railroad Grade Trail. Constructed tent pads identify camps. This camping restriction does not apply to climbers camping above 6000 feet on the Easton Glacier summit approach. Carry a backcountry stove, as fires are prohibited within the National Recreation Area. There are numerous meadow restoration projects underway in the Railroad Grade area.

Activities: Hiking, Snowshoeing

Info:
State: Washington
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Length: One-Way: 4 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 5200 feet
Elevation Change: 700 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Moderate
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.

Description: The hike on the High Pass Trail starts on the Winchester Mountain Trail (#685). Beginning the climb up the slope of Winchester Mountain, there is trail junction about 0.5 miles after leaving the trailhead. Take the right fork for the High Pass Trail #676. The left fork continues up to the Winchester Lookout. The High Pass Trai traverses across an avalanche chute beneath Winchester Mountain. Then climbs first to Low Pass and then to High Pass. The remains of the old Gargett mine can be found near High Pass.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Washington
Location: Olympic National Park
Length: Round Trip: 5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 300 feet
Maximum Elevation: 2100 feet
Elevation Change: 1800 feet
Trail Surface: Maintained
Best Season: Summer
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Olympic Hot Springs Trail follows Boulder Creek Road two miles from the trailhead to a spur trail leading 0.5 miles to Olympic Hot Springs. It begins at the end of the Elwha River Road. The trail descends to the river crossing Cougar, Hell and Crystal Creeks. Shortly beyond Crystal Creek a spur trail leads to the left. This trail crosses Boulder Creek and leads 0.5 miles to the hot springs on the southern bank. In the past, a popular resort once stood in this area.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Washington
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Length: One-Way: 5.5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 3300 feet
Elevation Change: 1400 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Moderate
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.

Description: The Scott Paul Trail, formerly known as the Sulphur Moraine Trail, was reconstructed and extended in the mid 1990's. It now connects with Park Butte Trail on both its east and west ends, forming a delightful 8-mile loop. The trail was renamed in memory of Scott Paul, the Mt. Baker District Trails and Wilderness Coordinator who was killed in an accident in 1993. Begin at the Park Butte Trailhead (#603) and look for the Scott Paul Trail junction about 100 feet down the trail on the right. The trail starts by climbing gently through forest and in 2.0 miles reaches its highest elevation of 4700 feet with a rewarding view of Mt. Shuksan and other Cascade Peaks. The trail then contours around the base of Mt. Baker, winding through rock gardens, meadows and glacial moraines, offering glimpses into the volcano’s historical activity. Magnificent views of Mt. Baker continue and Rocky Creek is crossed on a seasonal suspension bridge, which is usually in place between July and October. In 6.5 miles, the trail intersects the Park Butte Trail. A right turn here leads up to Morovitz Meadow and access to the Railroad Grade Trail and the Park Butte Lookout. Turn left on the Park Butte Trail to descend to the trailhead in 1.5 miles. The Scott Paul Trail is used by climbers attempting to summit Mt. Baker via the Squak Glacier. Climbers are encouraged to sign the climbers’ register at the Mt. Baker Ranger District office in Sedro-Woolley before heading into the backcountry.