Heliotrope Ridge

Name: Heliotrope Ridge
Rating: 9.7

Heliotrope Ridge hike near Mt Baker, Washington

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This popular hike up Heliotrope Ridge crosses several creeks before reaching a spectacular overlook of Coleman Glacier. Along the way, hikers share the path with mountaineers attempting to summit Mount Baker.

Route Description for Heliotrope Ridge

To begin the Heliotrope Ridge trail, set out east from the parking area, dropping immediately to cross the bridge over Grouse Creek. Tree cover provides shelter from the elements. The trail climbs towards Mount Baker. Reach the first bridge-free creek crossing at 1.6 km, rock-hopping your way across carefully.

Then, you’ll climb a set of switchbacks before crossing Kulshan Creek. From here on out you’ll encounter several creeks of varying width, depth, and flow.

The Heliotrope Ridge trail climbs to a flat site where the Kulshan Cabin (built in 1925 by the Mount Baker Club) once stood. At around 3.2 km, the former cabin site is now used for camping with a backcountry toilet nearby. Shortly thereafter the trail crosses the West Fork of Heliotrope Creek, then reaches a junction with the Climber’s Trail at 3.9 km.

Continue straight to stay on the Heliotrope Ridge Trail. Mount Baker comes into view as you leave the forest behind, crossing the various braids of Heliotrope Creek. It’s easy to lose the trail in this section, so pay close attention. Your destination is a knoll at 4.5 km, at the moraine's edge. Alternatively, you can follow any of the various paths up to the edge of the moraine.

The final climb to the knoll is steep, with loose rocks underfoot. At the top, you can meander up and down the ridge, but take care to stay away from the edge. It’s a long way down!

Once you’ve reached the overlook, peer out over the sea of glacier-blue ice. This is the Lower Coleman Icefall, part of the greater Coleman Glacier. Those giant ice chunks in front of you are called seracs. Often formed by intersecting crevasses, they can be as big as a car - or even a house. Above, Mount Baker stands tall at 3,286 m. Bastille Ridge is visible across the moraine.

Return the way you came, taking care to watch your footing on the way down from the knoll.

Hiking Trail Highlights

Coleman Glacier

The Coleman Glacier is the largest of the 11 named glaciers that descend from the iconic peak of Mount Baker. With a surface area of approximately 5.2 square kilometers, the Coleman Glacier dominates the western slope of the peak, nestled between the Roosevelt Glacier and the Heliotrope Ridge. Like the other glaciers on Mount Baker, the Coleman Glacier retreated significantly in the period between 1980 and 2006.

The Coleman Glacier is a popular ascent route for climbers seeking to conquer the summit of Mount Baker. This is a challenging and technical climbing route, as many crevasses emerge in the glacier as the season progresses, making it difficult to find an accessible route. For many hikers, it’s enough to gaze upon the majesty of this impressive glacier from the lookout point, where you’ll enjoy a remarkable view over a dazzling sea of bright blue ice.

If you’d like to see more great hikes in Mount Baker, check out the Yellow Aster Butte, Skyline Divide and the Chain Lakes Loop.

Insider Hints for Heliotrope Ridge

Consider a side trip up the Climber’s Trail on the way back for more Coleman Glacier views. The route is steep, climbing about 0.8 km to the viewpoint. Hikers should not proceed beyond this point without mountaineering experience, training, and climbing gear.
Stay off the glacier at all times.
Bring your trekking poles and an extra pair of socks - there’s a good chance you’ll get your feet wet while crossing several creeks along this trail.
Visit this trail early in the morning if possible. Creek levels tend to run higher and faster in the afternoon heat, which can make for challenging crossing conditions.
The Climber’s Trail is a good alternative for those who feel uncomfortable crossing Heliotrope Creek.

Getting to the Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead

To get to the Heliotrope Ridge trailhead, head east from Bellingham on Mount Baker Highway (HWY 542) to milepost 34. 1.6 km after passing Glacier Public Center, turn right onto Forest Rd 39. Follow for 12.9 km to the parking lot: a Northwest Forest Pass is required here.