I Love Skagit County

Top 10 Day Hikes in Skagit County

Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm

One of the most climactic alpine hiking experiences anywhere. Once you reach the top at 5,400 feet, the vistas of peaks, meadows, streams and glaciers will forever be etched in your mind. The round trip to Cascade Pass is 8 miles and an additional 2-6 miles for Sahale Arm.

Drive Hwy 20 east from Burlington to milepost 106 at the far end of Marblemount. Continue straight ahead,crossing the Skagit River and drive 22 miles to the end of the Cascade River Road to the Cascade Pass trailhead.

Hidden Lake Lookout

From the viewpoint you can see the crystal blue waters of Hidden Lake and one of the most incredible peaks in the North Cascades, Eldorado. Your climb begins with a tour through an old growth forest and transitions into meadows, rock gardens and a rocky perch. Round trip to the lookout is 8 miles.

Drive Hwy 20 east to Marblemount and cross the bridge heading east on the Cascade River Road After 10 miles turn left on Sibley Creek Road and drive 5 miles on a one lane road to the trailhead,elevation 3,400.

Thunder Creek

This is a year round hiking experience through deep old growth forest leading into the heart of the North Cascades National Park. The Thunder Creek Trail is a wonderful, earthy hiking experience for those who prefer the deep woods to meadows, powerful currents to splashy waterfalls or those seeking a wonderful off-season hike. This hike has no fixed stopping point, so distance is up to you.

Drive Highway 20 east from Burlington until reaching Diablo Lake and Colonial Creek Campground near milepost 130. The trail starts at the far end of the campground,elevation 1,200 feet.

Sourdough Ridge

This is step for step, one of the most rigorous trails in Washington State with 5,000 feet of elevation gain in 6 miles. The glorious sights are well worth the price paid and include views of the Ross & Diablo Lakes and numerous North Cascades peaks. Round trip to the old fire lookout, maintained by the National Park Service, is 12 miles.

Drive Highway 20 east from Burlington until reaching the community of Diablo near milepost 126. Turn left into the Seattle City Light owned community. The trailhead starts near the foot of Diablo Dam. If you reach the tennis courts, you’ve gone too far.

Easy Pass

This hike includes spectacular views of the Fisher Creek Valley and 9,000 foot Mount Logan. The trail eventually leads to a valley with mile high peaks on both sides, too numerous to mention. Round trip is 8 miles, though you can make it a longer hike if you wish to venture down father into Fisher Creek.

Hwy 20 past Newhalem and all three dams. Beyond milepost 151 turn right into the parking area for the Easy Pass trailhead,elevation 3,600 feet.

Maple Pass

Spectacular views into the heart of the Glacier Peak and Pasayten Wilderness Areas are among the stunning rewards from this beautiful 8 mile loop. Fall is an especially good time to visit as the Larch trees will be blazing gold.

Hwy 20 east beyond milepost 157 to Rainy Pass. Turn right into the parking area and trailhead,elevation 4,900 feet.

Sauk Mountain

This is the shortest hike on the list, but includes great vistas of surrounding peaks and a tremendous view of the winding Skagit River. Round trip to the site of a former lookout cabin is 4 miles.

Hwy 20 east from Concrete about 8 miles, and turn left on the Sauk Mountain Road (just before Rockport State Park),then drive 8 miles to the trailhead,elevation 4,000 feet.

Baker River Trail

This is a year round hiking opportunity through old growth forest and along a splendid wilderness river ending at Sulphide Creek or there is a hiking bridge that will take you across the river and allow you access to Baker Lake. Round trip is 6 miles, longer if you decide to cross the river and explore.

Drive Highway 20 east from Burlington,turning left on the Baker Lake Highway beyond milepost 82 . Drive approximately 26 beautiful,winding miles to the end of the road and trailhead,elevation 800 feet.

Park Butte

This hike offers a commanding view of Mount Baker and the Easton and Deming Glaciers. The meadows and vistas here are simply amazing and have been captured by photographers for decades. Round trip is 8 miles, but wandering all day in the meadows is encouraged.

Drive Highway 20 east from Burlington,turning left on the Baker Lake Highway beyond milepost 82. Turn left in 12.5 miles at a prominent intersection and,following signs for Schreibers Meadow,turn right in 3 miles before driving the final 6 miles to the trailhead, elevation 3,200 feet.

Anderson Butte/ Watson Lakes

Hike includes two alpine lakes and unobstructed views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. A mile long climb to a rocky knob known as Anderson Butte should be your first trek, then on to the alpine lakes for fishing, relaxing or picking blueberries. Round trip is 7 miles.

Drive Highway 20 east from Burlington, turning left on the Baker Lake Highway beyond milepost 82. Drive about 14 miles before turning right and,after literally driving over the upper Baker dam,turn left and wind 8 more miles to the trailhead,elevation 4,000 feet.

FIVE “IN TOWN” HIKES

Pacific Northwest Trail to Samish Overlook – Chuckanut hike offers unsurpassed views of Samish Bay and many of the San Juan Islands. Round trip is 6.5 miles and includes bat caves, a giant rock wall amphitheatre and famous Oyster Dome. (Chuckanut Dr.)

Little Mountain – Mount Vernon’s largest park with views across Skagit Valley to the Olympic Mountains. Two viewpoints, one looking west and the other north. There are number of hiking trails, but you also can drive to the summit. (Mount Vernon)

Mount Erie – There are numerous hikes in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands and it is advised you bring a map to stay on the right path. This area is a theme park for outdoor enthusiasts, with tremendous views of the San Juan Islands, Skagit Valley and numerous mountains on a clear day. Drive or hike your way to the summit to enjoy the sights. (Anacortes)

For more information visit www.skagitonians.org, www.skagitfisheries.org, and www.slowfoodskagit.org web sites.

Hiking descriptions and photos provided by Jana Henningsen and Mike Woodmansee. Additional photos by Andy Porter and Mark Nelson.

Padilla Bay Trail – Flat 2.25 mile bicycle and pedestrian trail, built on a dike with views of Padilla Bay. (Bay View-Edison Rd.)

Fragrance Lake – This is one of the easiest hikes on Chuckanut, offering a loop trail around Fragrance Lake and a viewpoint looking northwest towards Bellingham Bay. Round trip is 4 miles. (Chuckanut Dr.)