Park Butte(edit)

based on 270 tracks & routes | |

MODERATE

#48 hike out of 988 in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest |

MODERATE

3.8 mi

Distance

1 hrs 41 min

Time

2,074 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a difficult one way trail to Park Butte in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Note: This trail is 3.8+ mile one way (7.7 miles round trip). It has gorgeous views of the south side of Mount Baker and surrounding mountains, meadows, and mountain lakes. At the 2.5 mile point the trail splits (and is clearly marked by a sign). Continue straight to go to the lookout or veer right for an excursion up the railroad grade trail. The latter is also very worth doing, as a side trip/excursion, and takes you all the way to the base of the Easton Glacier, where many Alpine climbers camp and start their ascent to the summit of Mt Baker. Another way to extend your trip and see some different scenery is to take the Scott Paul Trail on the way back, if you have the extra time and energy, which will add about 5 miles onto your trip.

Getting Started

Arrive early to park in the trailhead parking lots. Although there is plenty of parking, it fills up quickly as many vehicles will be parked overnight due to the large number of people camped on the mountain. However, if the lots are full, there is plenty of parking along the road. There are 2 vault toilets and receptacles for garbage and for bagged feces at the trailhead, so you can dispose of all the "nasties" you pack out. A National Forest Pass is required to be displayed in your car.

Taking Children

This trail rates about a 5 for children. While the trail is well-maintained and safe enough, the length and vertical elevation gain make it extremely challenging and exhausting for young children.

Sights to See

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

methowskye 3 years, 4 months ago

Started late, about 12:00 pm, finished at 6pm. Fabulous hike, great trail. A little snow, and a bit of a tricky water crossing that includes a one person bridge, all fun. The parking lot was full but people were spread out enough that it didn’t feel crowded. Views all the way. It looked like the lupine were ready to bloom a bit higher into the hike. It’s our first time in this area, and as we are locals now, we’ll be back. July 14

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

John Quay 4 years, 4 months ago

The trail is clear (mostly) until the upper meadows just before the junction with the turn off for railroad grade trail. We hiked it with waterproof boots (recommended) and trekking poles. We also put on micro-spikes, which were a little helpful at spots, but not needed. Others made the hike with no poles or traction devices. The snow on the trail is packed and trekked enough to follow/hike without problem. The snow is almost 3-foot thick still, so it will likely be weeks before the trail is completely clear. Cathedral camp is under 3 feet of snow and no one had ventured into that area yet this season.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★