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    Skyline Divide

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3.5-5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    11.6 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    610 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.8
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Skyline Divide Trail near Mt. Baker in Washington

    Skyline Divide is a rolling ridgeline hike that offers breathtaking panoramic views from Shuksan to Baker. Listen out for the whistling marmots, and be prepared for one of the best seasonal wildflower shows around. This is such a great way to spend a sunny summer day with friends. Read the full guide to Skyline Divide.

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    Route Description for Skyline Divide

    Gaining roughly 457 m in the first 3.4 km, the Skyline Divide trail starts out steep. A hemlock forest provides plenty of shelter from the elements as the trail switchbacks up to the ridge. After 3.2 km, walk out of the woods into an alpine wonderland. Here, at 1,768 m above sea level, views of Mount Baker, Shuksan and many more will take your breath away. This is a great turnaround point for those seeking a short hike. A nearby camping area to the north (left) provides an easy backpacking destination.

    If you’re seeking the full experience of the Skyline Divide, wander south along the ridge, through wildflower meadows and towards Mount Baker. Hang a right at 4.0 km to avoid an unnecessarily steep climb. The trail rolls up and down, over high knolls to a junction marked by cairns at 5.1 km. The way left loses some elevation through talus slopes and meadows for about 1.6 km to the end of the trail. Camping here, near Deadhorse Creek, is a great way to spend the night stargazing.

    The trail to the right climbs steeply towards Chowder Ridge. Follow it a short distance to reach a relatively flat knoll-shoulder at 5.6 km and 1,890 m. It’s a good place to have lunch and turn around. Or, you can continue even further along the ridge, ending atop a 2,000 m knoll - Skyline Divide’s highest point and final campsite at 7.2 km.

    Skyline Divide Trail Camping

    The Skyline Divide Trail offers several possibilities for camping, whether you’re looking to transform this hike into an easy backpacking trip, or simply looking for the best place to go stargazing in the Mount Baker Wilderness.

    One of the most popular sites is the Douglas Fir Campground, situated on the banks of North Fork Nooksack River in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This is an excellent campground that offers good access to many of the hiking trails in the North Cascades. The site is equipped with toilets, drinking water, campfire rings, and tent pads.

    You’ll also find some good places for camping near Deadhorse Creek, just before Chowder Ridge, located in the valley between the Skyline and Cougar Divides. Note that campfires are not permitted.

    Trail Highlights

    Views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan

    The Skyline Divide Trail is known for its marvelous views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, and these two impressive mountains certainly don’t disappoint. The first peak to come into view is Mount Baker, its conical, snow-capped summit rising up ahead of you as you hike. Looking eastward, the distinctive crags of Mount Shuksan will come into view, foregrounded by lush, green forest and flanked by the characteristic white-flecked crags of this remarkable region.

    Once you’re above the treeline, the undulating trail offers many impressive photo opportunities, and an awesome panorama that takes in Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and the many other peaks that make up the North Cascades. This is an unforgettable day out in Washington State.

    Wildflower Meadows

    The dazzling display of wildflowers on the Skyline Divide Trail will take your breath away. Rising above the treeline, you’ll step into a world of color that is perfectly offset by the green meadows, show-capped peaks and glistening glaciers that surround you. Look out for colorful mountain heather, purple littleflower penstemon, sitka valerian with its tight, intricate buds, yellow glacier lilies, sulfur buckwheat, dwarf lupine and spearleaf stonecrop. The sheer diversity of the world at your feet is truly remarkable.

    What’s more, these beautiful flowers sustain an important population of insects, and you can expect to see many darting dragonflies and wonderful butterflies fluttering from plant to plant, including the stunning anicia checkerspot and anise swallowtail. These wildflower meadows are a real highlight of any trip to the Skyline Divide Trail.

    Would you like to see more hikes in Mount Baker? Check out the Yellow Aster Butte, Chain Lakes Loop, or Heliotrope Ridge.

    Insider Hints for Skyline Divide

    • Choose the length of your hike at Skyline Divide. Trips here can range from 6.4 km-14.5 km round trip, with optional side trails to explore. Turning around at 5.6 km makes for a great 11.3 km roundtrip day hike.
    • Bring plenty of water. There are no water sources on the ridge.
    • Please respect the fragile meadows by only camping in established campsites.
    • Weather changes quickly above 1,829 m - even during summer. Be prepared and bring plenty of layers.

    Getting to the Skyline Divide Trailhead

    To get to the Skyline Divide trailhead, take Mount Baker Highway east from Glacier for 1.6 km to milepost 34. Turn right on FR-39 (Glacier Creek Road). Follow signs to the Skyline Divide Trail, turning left on FR-37. Go for 20.8 km to the trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      July to October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      Yes

    • Toilets

      Yes, at trailhead

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Skyline Divide Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

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    Skyline Divide Reviews

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