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Hike 9/12 Park Butte Lookout
Thursday, September 12, 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
7 miles, 2200 feet elevation gain.
Meet at Everett Station Park & Ride Lot --
B
There are plenty of great trails in the North Cascades near Mount Baker, and this one takes a backseat to none of them. You ascend on a well-maintained trail from forests to meadows to nearly the edge of the glaciers, gaining your high point at a lookout cabin perched at over 5400 feet in elevation. And it's not all about the views-- there's tasty huckleberries to pick, late-season wildflowers still blooming, wildlife to be seen, and milky-colored glacial streams tumbling down bouldery canyons. It's 5-star quality all the way.
Expected Conditions:
There's about 9 miles of unpaved road to get to the trailhead. It's in fairly good condition, with a few bumpy sections. The trail is in good condition, starting from the Scheibers Meadow Trailhead at 3300 feet, all the way to the lookout at 5400 feet. The trail tends to alternate between semi-open meadow, forest, rocky stream washes, and wide open meadows. There is a braided glacial stream that we cross about a mile in. A bridge is in place to cross one main branch of the stream, and we usually have to rock-hop across one or two other streams. It's generally not difficult unless it's a hot day and the runoff increases in the afternoon. There usually are lots of huckleberries this time of year, and we'll allow a little extra time for berry-picking if people want. The lookout on top is usually open and available to us for shelter if desired. This can be a busy trail in good weather, but shouldn't be as busy on a weekday.
Other Considerations:
Wear good traction hiking shoes or boots for this hike. Trekking poles are definitely helpful, and should be taken (or borrow from me). Pack food and water in your pack, and plan to have lunch on the trail or at the lookout.