Distance
6.0 miles roundtrip
Trail Guide
Heliotrope Ridge Trail
6.0 mi roundtrip · 1,600 ft gain · Moderate · Heliotrope Ridge
Trail Stats
Elevation Gain
1,600 ft
Highest Point
5,100 ft
Trailhead Elevation
3,500 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Type
Out And Back
Features
Coleman Glacier views
Mount Baker close-up
Wildflower meadows
Technical Notes
Moderate hike to the toe of the Coleman Glacier on Mount Baker. Trail through old growth forest then emerges into alpine meadows. Do not venture onto the glacier without proper equipment. Creek crossings can be difficult in late summer with high snowmelt. One of the closest views of a Cascade glacier accessible via trail.
Getting There
Trailhead
Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead
FR-39, off SR-542 near Glacier
Parking: ~20 spaces
From Seattle
120 mi · 160 min drive
I-5 North to Exit 255 (SR-542 East). Follow to Glacier. Turn right on FR-39 and follow 8 miles to the trailhead. Rough gravel road.
Planning Details
Best Season
July through October
Dogs Allowed
Yes
Required Pass
Northwest Forest Pass
Annual: $30.00 · Day: $5.00
Mountain
Heliotrope Ridge · 5,100 ft · North Cascades
Avalanche Forecast
Check current avalanche conditions for the Heliotrope Ridge zone before your trip.
Ready to plan?
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