Hiking in the North Cascades

It is all guts and glory, baby! The clan went on a day hike to a raw glacier in the North Cascades. At the Ranger Station the Ranger thought that the Heliotrope Ridge hike was “the” hike for us. I was a bit reluctant when I heard about the stream crossings and elevation gain, but off we went to drive to the trailhead.

When we got there I was glad to see a few other cars and even a Peak 7 Adventure van. We weren’t the only ones on this journey, although, I was sure to sign my name at the log-book at the entry of the trail (fearing that if we didn’t return that maybe someone would be able to find us). With optimism and a burst of adventure my Keen hiking shoes bonded with the dirt, roots, and rocks on the trail.

On a side note: about five minutes into the hike the big and wild mountain bugs were swarming. I had on bug spray all the way down to my shoes but those bug/birds didn’t seem to notice. I wondered if we would make it; early on, nature was making its presence known in an unfriendly way. The hike went up into the woods. The path took a lot of switchbacks: up, up, up, we went. The bugs attacks lessoned while we went up so the hike was getting better by the minute.

One unique aspect of this hike is the water. Mt Baker brings hikers to stream crossings like nothing I have ever experienced. Along the trail, we passed a man and his darling triplet sons, maybe 9 years old. He told us that at that point we had only ½ mile to go to the final stream crossing. He said that stream was thigh deep on him, dangerous, and really powerful. As a word of comfort he said that he left a blue bag at the point where he and his sons crossed. Yet, he said that the glacier was “totally” worth it!

The first two stream crossings were great. I felt like a professional rock hopper – if there is such a thing. Wilderness streams are fun to cross on a hot day - until we came to The Stream. Yes, the mother of all streams awaited us! “Stream” is an understatement. It was a small river.

Studly Husband in Action

We attempted to cross it. We planned and strategized. Clearly, not today; the water level was really high and the risk was too great. The blue bag was no comfort. No glacier, today. Lunch at the river will have to do. (Just saying: my manly husband helped a couple to cross back.)

We set off down the mountain towards the car. The trip downhill is always better! I was really thankful for the amazing flowers that were in bloom that day: My favorite was the Queen Anne’s Lace, looking like a snowflake in July.

The North Cascades are crisp, clear, green as all get out, rugged, majestic, and fun. They will make you feel like you shop daily at REI and eat only freeze-dried food. We met people from Kansas City and New York. I can understand why people from all over hike in my famous Western Washington back yard. This was an exciting must-do wilderness adventure for the clan; even with no glacier sighting, it was worth every minute. We will never again take the mighty North Cascades for granted! On my way out I signed the logbook. We made it out! 

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Side Note: A hiker we met on the trail emailed this neat picture of the glacier at the end of the trail. Something to look forward to next time. It is a hike to take in August when the rivers and streams are lower unless you don't mind an extra challenge...