heliotrope ridge trail

The drive out Heliotrope Creek Road is itself a treat. It is mostly paved, but has gravel sections. The pavement can be missing huge chunks. Part is one lane, not the one lane where you can still slowly squeak two cars around each other, but the one lane where someone has to backup to a turn out. Large parts of the one lane section have blind hair pin turns and lots of vegetation. If you are going 15mph and the other car is going 15mph in the opposite direction, you might have enough time to avoid a collision. Or maybe not.I read some trail guides that described Heliotrope Ridge. The claim was two creeks without bridges that could be difficult. There were about a dozen, three of which had hikers climbing up and down to find a passible section. This was late in the season and dry, so earlier would make creek crossing a real adventure.The hike is not steep and the round trip distance is manageable for most fit people. Once you break out to the glacier overlook it is all worth it. I got lucky with a clear day in September. The water sparkles, the snow shines and the peak stands out like a grand rock temple.If I had to pick two destinations on Mt Baker as a must see, this would be one of them. I spent five hours on the trail, including lunch and some leisure at the top.

You might need walking poles and spare socks to cross the braided Heliotrope Creek--but it was worth the climb. Elevation gain of 1800 ft.

fantastic up-close glacier views. Incredible flowers! Watch out at some of the stream crossings if water is high. Take a camera.

This was an amazing walk. It takes some time couple of hours but well forth the trek. We crossed snow, a few fast rivers with big stones to walk over and when we made it to the glacier's rim it was like having lunch on the sides of an enormous cereal bowl! We could see people walking down in the glacier and they looked like little ants. Beautiful way to spend a day and get your blood pumping!

Been a few years since we hiked this trail but it provides great close up views of Mt. Baker.

Some great glacier and mountain views but trail is often hampered by difficult stream crossings.

The views of the mountain and glaciers are incredible. The hike through the woods is beautiful.

I've hiked this trail almost a dozen times, and each time I discover something new. The time of year has a big influence on the creek water levels, so if you go in early summer be prepared to get your boots wet, and in the fall, be careful not to slip and fall on frost and black ice. The hike is only an hour and a half or so to reach your destination, which is the Coleman Glacier and Mt Baker. Keep your eye out for wildlife such as birds, mountain goats, and marmots. Because it's so easy, you will meet other hikers on this trail, unless you go during the week. I hiked here last week. You can see my experience in a short blog post and video here http://gobart.tv/2010/10/22/heliotrope-ridge-mt-baker/.

Today I hiked the Heliotrope Ridge Trail for the 3rd time, finally making it past the last stream to reach the viewpoint to the glacier. The old growth forest is serene; logs cut to clear the trail show hundreds of tightly spaced rings. Waterfalls, wildlife, flowers, and huckleberries line the trail at different points and offer good photos and eating. Eventually the view becomes apparent as you ascend, and on a sunny day like today, the glacier is radiant. We ate near the glacier and were lulled by the run-off under the glacier. Other reviews I read claim mileage anywhere from 4.5 to 6 miles. I would lean more towards six. The trek to the glacier is mostly uphill and the streams can be very challenging depending on the time of year and the time of day as well as temperature. We were definitely tired at the end of the hike, but it was well worth it!