Located in the valley between Mount Hermann and Table Mountain, the trail winds through meadows with undersized and very old mountain hemlock—the products of a short growing season.

Interpretive signs along the way tell the story of the landscape, from volcanic eruptions to ice-age glaciers.

The first half of the Fire and Ice Trail is wheelchair accessible and culminates with scenic views of the Bagley Lakes.

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for vehicles at the trailhead.

Make sure to stop at the visitors center. It was built in 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corp and boasts a National Historic Building designation. It was a warm-up hut for the original ski area. The ski area eventually relocated down the hill.

Distance: Half mile

Destination: Loop trail

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: None

Getting there: From the Glacier Public Service Center, go east on Mt. Baker Highway (State Route 542) for 22 miles to the Heather Meadows Visitors Center. The trail is adjacent to the visitors center.

The Trek: Make sure to check out the views from the center’s first-floor deck. From this spot, one can see Goat Mountain, Mount Larrabee and American Border Peak. Below lies Upper and Lower Bagley lakes, and Lower Bagley Lake Dam. Across the way is Mount Hermann and to the left are Herman Saddle and Table Mountain.

There are three signs on the first-floor deck. One explains the wildlife that calls this area home, such as mountain goat, black bear, pika and hoary marmot. Look for common ravens, stellar jays, dark-eyed junkos and gray jays.

On the ground, plant life includes blueleaf huckleberry, white mountain heather, mountain ash and red mountain heather.

Retrace your steps and locate the trailhead near a cluster of signs high above the valley floor. Continue on the paved trail as it meanders atop a small ridge. Pass a bench on the left.

The trail continues along, slowly descending as it makes its way between trees and rocks. The paved portion of trail ends at a spectacular overlook.

The entire Heather Meadows area lies below. Ice still clings to the Upper Bagley Lake’s shorelines as snow chutes end at the water’s edge. There’s a pair of signs titled “Ice Age Heirlooms” and “A Valley in the Sky” located here.

Table Mountain looms to the left and Mount Hermann is straight ahead.

Retrace your steps from the viewpoint, and take a trail to the right. This narrow, rocky patch slightly descends. The route continues between a couple of hills.

Continue along the hillside and reach another overlook. At one time, there were signs at this spot. What remains is a large abutment of rock and concrete.

Water streams down the hillside as it makes its way to the lakes below.

Continuing along, the trail passes a jumble of squarish rocks that have crumbled from an ancient lava flow. The trail is soon paralleled by a lively stream that falls from high above, cutting through a wide meadow.

Cross a wide footbridge that borders a small pond. The trail twists through the lush valley floor before reaching a rock staircase. Pass a small waterfall and reach another staircase of stone as the trail becomes crushed gravel.

Reaching the top of a knoll, the trail bends to the left as it makes its way through a mass of shrubbery and gnarled trees. The trail passes another overlook complete with a bench before making its way back to the parking lot and the rig.