Print This Article!


Big trees, big ferns, big river, big streams, big valley, big lake and big views highlight this trail. After crossing the Baker River, head north along the Baker River as it makes its way to Baker Lake.

The trail used to run along the north side of Baker Lake. However, because of trail damage, the Baker Lake Trail ends at the bridge over Hidden Creek.

This time of the year, mosquitoes are as thick as bugs on a bumper. Be prepared.

Distance: 3.8 miles

Destination: Trail’s end

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 250 feet

Getting there: Highway 20 to milepost 82.3, about 15 miles east of Sedro-Woolley. Turn north on Baker Lake Road and go 26 miles to the road-end parking lot. This is the trailhead for the Baker Lake and Baker River trails.

The Trek: Park in the lot and locate the trailhead west of the lot’s entrance. The trails begins as a double-wide path of gravel. Rounding a bend, proceed north through a clearing just above where the Baker River flows at flood stage.

Upstream are the massive glaciers responsible for the waters now racing down the gin-clear river.

Encounter the first of many massive trees. It’s a cedar. Be on the lookout for even larger Douglas fir.

A change of season is definitely upon us as the trail is slowly being covered by maple leafs. Passing a jumble of boulders, proceed along the riverbank before reaching a junction. It’s here that the Baker River Trail splits to the left while the Baker Lake Trail continues right across a bridge whose anchor points are secured into the faces of several massive boulders.

The Baker River now flows below you, its clear waters crashing off rocks and smashing into logs.

After crossing the span, the trail bends right and becomes rocky, single track. Moss hangs from practically everything.

Cross the first of several footbridges spanning streams. Although the streams appear to be running at full speed this time of the year, it’s nothing compared to the quantity of water that swelled the streambeds in the past.

A short distance farther, one gets a example of how the water once raged.

A torrent all but blew out this section of trail. The path now descends, passing the remains of a footbridge that is nothing more than a twisted mass of logs and boards mostly buried in the sand. Rocks and shattered trees litter an area that resembles a blast zone.

Venture up the other side and enter an odd looking section of forest. Sand covers the landscape, which is dotted here and there by rocks. Trees that managed to withstand the deluge now grow out of what looks like the moon’s surface.

The trail continues to twist and turn, offering glimpses of scenery through the trees. On a hot day, the coolness of the shade is welcome relief as one presses on. Cross another bridge before bending right and heading uphill.

At this time, the trail was alive with brown tree frogs. The critters were everywhere, jumping and crawling over every obstacle.

Traipsing downhill, the trail levels out and becomes sandy. This is more proof of the flooding that inundated the area.

Reach a footbridge spanning nothing but rocks and sand. It appears the stream that once flowed under the bridge chose another path.

From the bridge, the view of the Baker River is neat. Take the time to walk out onto the rocky shoreline and take a glimpse up and down the valley.

Reach a boardwalk that wraps around a steep rock face and bends around several old-growth Douglas fir trees.

The trail heads uphill. The peak of Mount Baker can just be seen.

Walk along a rock face and past a boulder that has two huge fir trees growing atop it, their roots exposed as they cling to the rocky host.

It’s at this point that the trail begins to gain elevation. Switchbacks lead past a lightning-struck tree on the left.

Leaving the river basin below, continue to ascend. Sheer rock faces tower high above. Several creeks make their way through the gardens of rock, which were cleaved from above.

Rounding a bend, a bridge can be seen in the distance through the trees. Reaching it, be prepared for some great views of the surrounding old growth as well as the tumultuous journey taken by Hidden Creek as it careens over precipices and tumbles down the rock-strewn valley.

The bridge makes for a great vantage point, and marks the turn-around point. After soaking it all in, begin the trek back to the rig.