Skyline Divide

The trail rises quickly through the forest for the first 1.6 miles, switchbacking relentlessly through the trees. After entering the Mt. Baker Wilderness, the trees begin to thin;a tenth of a mile later, top the ridgeline and enjoy stunning views toward Mt. Baker. This is where most visitors turn around. For views of the Canadian Cascades (not included in this trail), turn left along the ridgeline.To continue farther along Skyline Divide, turn right toward Mt. Baker. The ridgeline undulates gently as the trail wanders through alpine meadows and wildflowers in season. The trail often goes over as well as around the humps on the ridgeline;either trail is fine, but the trails that skirt the humps are easier to navigate. At 3.7 miles from the trailhead, a trail will descend off the ridgeline;turn right to stay on the ridgeline and continue along Skyline Divide.The views never cease to become more jaw-dropping the closer you work your way toward Mt. Baker. Mt. Shuksan is also apparent to the left, and the Canadian Cascades are lovely to the north. About 4 miles from the trailhead, the trail becomes steeper to ascend a gravelly hill. Keep hiking another 0.8 miles to ascend a high point and absolutely spectacular views of Mt. Baker. Continue another half mile along the ridgeline to views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan, or even further as weather and time allows.For those even more adventurous and willing to go off-route and do some scrambling, Hadley Peak is accessed via the main ridgeline. Continue along the ridgeline and you'll see Hadley Peak in the distance. There will be some easy class 2-3 scrambling involved to access the approach as well as the summit of Hadley.