This could very well be the last foray of the season into the North Cascades backcountry. Freezing temperatures and any rain will make the route to Dock Butte impassable.

In fact, I was forced to turn around on a sunny day this week because of snow and ice just below Dock Butte.

The tight switchbacks leading to the summit were packed with ice.

While getting to the summit may have been possible with crampons and ice ax, without that type of gear it would have been extremely treacherous.

So, with safety trumping all, I decided to leave Dock Butte, the site of an abandoned fire lookout at 5,210 feet that burned in 1964, to next summer. After all, it’s not going anywhere. The summit of the butte is 5,239 feet.

Even if attaining the Butte is not possible, taking the trail as far as you can this late in the season is still worth the effort.

Fall colors are exploding along the route, while Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan appear close enough to touch.

Location: About 40 miles northeast of Sedro-Woolley

Distance: 3.4 miles

Destination: Dock Butte

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation gain: 1,400 feet

Getting there: From milepost 82 on Highway 20, about 16 miles east of Sedro-Woolley, turn north on Baker Lake Highway. Continue on Baker Lake Highway for 12 miles before turning left on Forest Service Road No. 12. After seven miles, turn left on Forest Service Road No. 1230. The trailhead and parking area are reached in four miles at the end of the road.

The Trek: The trail shares a trailhead with the Blue Lake Trail, which will be highlighted next week.

After parking, head up a trail covered in hoarfrost (frozen dew that forms a white coating on exposed surfaces.)

Venture across a plank walkway and reach the trail register. Sign in and set out.

Cross a boardwalk and proceed up a earthen staircase. Any section of trail that is not in sunlight during the day is frosty.

The trail continues to climb before reaching a meadow and intersection in about a quarter-mile. Heading left leads to Blue Lake. Continue straight to Dock Butte.

The trail narrows considerably and climbs steeply. There is a definite theme to this hike — and that is elevation gain.

But with the climb comes excellent views of the valley unfolding below you. The trail skirts around a massive boulder as it makes its way along a steep hillside.

Reach a downed tree, a section of which has been removed to allow passage.

Reach a small meadow that allows for a brief respite. Then it’s back to heading uphill.

Continue into the forest, passing wildflowers and heather meadows along the way.

Pass under a widowmaker moments before reaching a switchback. The hairpin leads steeply upward upon a path of rock and roots.

Round a bend and prepared to be awed. There sits Mount Baker in all its glory. Even better vantage points await you farther up the trail.

After leaving the overlook, switchback to the left. Massive mushrooms dot the understory.

It was just past this point that the first patch of snow was encountered.

At the next switchback, carefully venture onto a rather precarious perch. Terra firma quickly gives way to nothing but air as you stand high atop a cliff.

It now seems that around every turn is yet another lens-filling view.

The air is crisp at this altitude. Pass several ponds, their waters topped by a sheen of shimmering ice. In the distance looms Mount Baker, now a constant companion. After tearing yourself away from the jaw-dropping vantage point, continue up the trail.

The trail levels and even descends for short distances. Gaining elevation, however, is never far way.

Pass through another meadow. Take time to hike onto a rocky outcropping and take in the scenery unfolding below your feet.

Hoof it up a staircase of roots as the greenery slowly fades. It is replaced by the white of snow and the gray of loose rock.

The trail is now bordered by snow. Soon ice covers the path.

The way levels out as it continues along a low ridge line. That butte above you is your destination. Try not to look up or down. Concentration is necessary along this stretch.

The ice thickens as the trail narrows. Things now get a bit dicey.

Make your way across the butte’s flank before reaching the first of several steep and very slick switchbacks. A misstep here means a toboggan-like ride down a slope peppered with rocks and boulders.

Standing on the steep slope, the views are incredible. Mount Baker is a mere eight miles away. Giving the volcano a run for its money are the likes of Mount Shuksan and the Twin Sisters. To the east is Eldorado Peak and the Picket Range.

After making it as far as you feel comfortable, carefully turn around and begin the return trip back to the rig.