About this place

This popular trail within Mt. Baker Wilderness leads you from dense old growth forest to flower filled avalanche chutes and over rocky moraines to the snowy alpine zone. About two miles from the trailhead you will find a trail junction. The right fork steeply climbs 1,000 feet in one mile to the Hogsback Camp at the base of the Coleman-Deming climbing route to Mt. Baker's 10,781 ft. summit. Hikers should never venture onto a glacier without proper alpine climbing gear and experience. You will encounter several stream crossings along the Heliotrope Ridge Trail. The depth of these streams fluctuates greatly depending upon various conditions such as snowmelt, recent rainfall and time of day. A stream that is easily forded in the morning can become a raging torrent by afternoon. Use extreme caution; poles are highly recommended. Restrooms can be found at nearby Douglas Fir Campground. From the Glacier Public Service Center in Glacier, Washington travel east on the Mt. Baker Highway 542 for approximately 1 mile to Glacier Creek Road (Forest Service road 39). Turn right onto Forest Service road 39 and travel 8 miles. The trailhead and parking area are located on the left side of the road.