Skyline Divide

Skyline Divide is a beautiful open ridgetop hike that offers non-stop breathtaking views in all directions. Like all trails in the region, the views need to be earned. While a 13-mile forestry road to the trailhead makes light work of some elevation gain, the first 2 miles of the trail are steady uphill through the forest. After many switchbacks, the forest thins and glimpses out of the forest become clearer views to the north, west and, eventually, south. Just as you walk past the sign noting your entry into the Mount Baker Wilderness, the trail dramatically opens onto the ridge with an unmissable view of Mount Baker and then, for the first time, unobstructed views appear east to Mount Shuksan and the peaks beyond in the North Cascades National Park. In your more immediate surroundings you'll notice wildflowers in the summer and berries along the ridge trail through September and October. The ridge trail heads roughly 3 miles south, skirting a couple of minor peaks before ending with 360-degree views. On a clear day you can see west across to the Olympic Peninsula and north well into Canada.