Heliotrope Ridge Trail Hike Mount Baker

The Heliotrope Ridge hike is one of the best hikes in the Mount Baker Area in Washington USA with incredible views and a stunning glacier that you can see right from the trail without needing glacier traverse skills.

We hiked the Heliotrope trail a few summers ago and it was when we seemed to have a bit of a thing for hiking to glaciers. Honestly, I still do.

The Heliotrope Ridge Trail goes up to the Coleman Glacier on Mt Baker in Washington. This hike is one of those that gives you great views towards the end for not a huuuuge amount of effort making it one of the best day hikes in Washington.

It’s not super steep, nor extremely long and so if you’re planning to hike the heliotrope trail near Mt Baker then be sure to check out this guide so you know what to expect.

*Since November 2021, the forestry road to the Heliotrope trailhead has been closed due to the Heliotrope Ridge washout. You can either hike up the road or bike it. The road closure adds an extra 9 miles (round trip) to the hike, so make sure you’re fully prepared for this distance. Riding up the road takes about 1.5-2 hours and cycling down about 30 minutes!

Heliotrope Trail statistics

This is one of the most popular Mt Baker hikes. AllTrails marks it as hard, but the hardest part is the stream crossing. In terms of elevation, it’s not too difficult.

• Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
• Distance: 5.9 miles / 9.5 km (15 miles when including the extra due to road closure)
• Duration: 3-5 hours (+ extra time due to road closure)
• Elevation: 1988 ft / 606m (+ extra due to road closure)
• Trailhead: 8 miles up Glacier Creek Forest Service Road #39 (FR 39).
• Heliotrope ridge Alltrails map

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

Hiking the Heliotrope Trail

Once you’ve navigated to the trailhead for Heliotrope Ridge you’ll need to make sure your recreation pass is on display and then look for the information sign that marks the beginning of the trail.

You’ll begin by crossing over Grouse Creek and over a bridge before hiking uphill through old growth with a fairly gentle incline.

After a while, the forest thins out a little and you’ll climb uphill more past berries and streams. The first two stream crossings are pretty easy to do without getting your feet wet. Just be careful balancing on the rocks and use poles or a hand if necessary.

On coming out of the forest you’ll be greeted with incredible views of Mt Baker straight ahead, and the valley below to your left.

Unfortunately, when we hiked we didn’t get to enjoy quite the same views, but the clouds rolling in and out of the valley still kept things interesting. The terrain here is rocky with lots of wildflowers and streams.

It’s once you’re out in the open that you’ll have one of the larger stream crossings. The crossing is doable if you’re careful, but don’t try it if you’re nervous.

The water is very, very cold and you can’t cross this stream without getting wet shoes or feet. The depth of the streams changes a lot depending on weather conditions.

They’re usually lower in the mornings and can grow a lot by the afternoon due to snowmelt from above.

After crossing the creek you’ll continue across a moraine deposited by receding glaciers and soon come out to an overlook for the Coleman Glacier; one of the best-known Mt Baker glaciers.

The view is incredible and you can see ice blocks and caves. You can see why some people call this the Coleman Glacier hike.

If you look closely you’ll probably also spot some climbers practicing their ice climbing skills too.

If you wish you can continue hiking uphill for an even better view of the glacier. This is more of a scramble but it’s fun to explore.

Do you need a recreation pass for the Heliotrope Trail, WA?

Yes, for most Mount Baker hiking trails you need a pass and you will need a recreation pass for hiking the Heliotrope Ridge trail. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass for visiting National Parks you’re covered. If not, you can buy a Northwest Forest Pass.

You can buy a Northwest Forest Pass online here (you need to print it out), at REI in Bellingham, or from the Glacier Public Service Center. Be aware that the Glacier Public Service Centre doesn’t open until later in the morning so if you plan to hike early in the day you’ll be best off with an e-pass.

About the Heliotrope Ridge Trail

The Heliotrope Ridge Trail is a popular hike in the Mt. Baker Wilderness area. The trail takes you through dense, old-growth forests to avalanche chutes and over rocky moraines to the alpine zone.

As the Heliotrope Ridge WTA guide mentions too, you’ll cross four creeks on this trail that don’t have bridges and your feet will get wet on the third for sure!

This hike is often pretty busy at weekends. You may see people hiking just this trail, doing some glacier exploration, or preparing to take Mt Baker climbers’ route to the summit of Mount Baker which starts by doing the Heliotrope Trail.

Getting to Mount Baker + the Heliotrope Ridge trailhead

Below are some basic directions to the Heliotrope Ridge trail head from Vancouver BC and Seattle and Bellingham.

Once you’ve arrived at the road closure, you’ll need to park up and get on your bike, or hike into the trailhead as marked on the AllTrails map. This adds

From Vancouver

The best border crossing to take is usually the Sumas crossing as it tends to be quieter than Peach Arch. From downtown Vancouver to Mt Baker, take the Trans Canada Hwy eastbound to junction 92 for the US Border.

Turn left onto Sumas Way/BC 11 and then on to WA 547 South. Follow this road, and signs, to the town of Glacier, and then see the instructions above.

From Seattle + Bellingham

From Seattle, the trailhead is about 130 miles, taking around 3 hours. You’ll take the I-5 northbound and exit at 255 for WA-542 E/Sunset Dr toward Mt Baker. Continue onto WA-542 E/Mt Baker Hwy and then turn right onto Glacier Lodge Rd (You’ll see signs for Mt. Baker). Continue onto NF-39. This will take you to the trailhead.

From Bellingham to Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead it’s around 56 miles or about 1.5 hours. You’ll start by taking the I-5 S from Bellingham to exit 255 for WA-542 E/Sunset Dr toward Mt Baker. Then continue onto WA-542 E/Mt Baker Hwy and turn right onto Glacier Lodge Rd (You’ll see signs for Mt. Baker). Continue onto NF-39. This will take you to the trailhead.

Please note that these directions are provided as general guidance and actual conditions may vary.

Always consult a reliable map or navigation device and check for road closures or changes in conditions before you set out.

Where is the trailhead for the Heliotrope Ridge trail?

The trailhead for the Heliotrope Ridge trail is 8 miles up Glacier Creek Forest Road #39. The Glacier Creek junction is about 1 mile north of the town of Glacier along Mt. Baker Hwy.

The road is paved and has just a few potholes here and there. It’s easily accessible in a 2-wheel drive.

You can see conditions and any closures of the forest service roads around Mt Baker here.

What to pack for the Heliotrope Trail

Before you head out on one of the best hikes in Washington State, make sure you’ve packed these essentials!

Things to know before hiking the Heliotrope trail near Mt Baker

Before tackling any Mt Baker hiking trails, but especially this one, here are a few things you should know.

• Trail Length and Difficulty: The Heliotrope Ridge Trail is a moderately strenuous hike, with a round-trip length of about 5.5 miles and an elevation gain of approximately 1400 feet. The trail is well-marked, but the steep terrain and possible snowfields can make it challenging for less experienced hikers.
• Best Time to Go: The best time to hike this trail is from July to October when the trail is mostly free of snow. Remember, snowfields can persist throughout the summer, so it’s essential to check the current trail conditions before setting out.
• Road conditions: Always check the up-to-date Heliotrope ridge road conditions.
• Required Permits: A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. You can purchase it online or from a local vendor.
• Wildlife and Plants: The trail is known for its wildflowers and the possibility to spot wildlife, such as mountain goats, bears, and marmots. Remember not to feed wildlife and keep a safe distance.
• Essential Gear: Carry a map, compass, first-aid kit, food, water, rain gear, warm clothing, and hiking poles (especially useful for snowy or muddy sections). Remember, weather can change quickly, so prepare for all conditions.
• Toilet Facilities: There are toilet facilities at the trailhead but none on the trail itself. It’s essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out any waste.
• Safety: Some sections of the trail, especially closer to the glacier, can be dangerous due to crevasses and unstable ground. It’s essential to stay on the trail and respect any posted signs or closures.
• Trailhead Location: The trailhead is located in the Mt. Baker National Forest, near the town of Glacier. Ensure that you have accurate driving directions and understand that cellphone reception can be spotty in this area.
• Trail Popularity: The Heliotrope Ridge Trail is quite popular, especially on weekends. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can help avoid crowds.
• Views: Finally, expect some spectacular views. The trail offers close-up views of the Coleman Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in the U.S., and on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Baker and the surrounding peaks.

What to pack for this Mount Baker hike

Here’s a detailed packing list for your hike on the Heliotrope Ridge Trail. Be sure to also check out my ultimate guide for what to pack for hiking which goes into more detail about the gear I use.

• Water and Hydration Solutions: Carry enough water for the hike. Also, consider carrying a water filter or purification tablets in case you need to refill from a natural source.
• High-Energy Snacks/Food: Pack things like trail mix, energy bars, fruit, or sandwiches to keep your energy levels high during the hike.
• Clothing: Dress in layers to handle the varying temperatures you might encounter. Include moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof/windproof outer layer. Don’t forget a hat and gloves if you’re hiking in cooler weather.
• Hiking Boots: Good quality, comfortable hiking boots or trail running shoes are crucial. The terrain on the Heliotrope Ridge Trail can be rough and steep in places.
• Map and Compass/GPS: Always essential for any hiking trip. Even though the trail is well-marked, it’s important to have these as backup navigation tools.
• First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, blister treatment, and any personal medication.
• Hiking Poles: These can help with balance and reduce strain on your knees, especially on steep sections or over loose terrain.
• Backpack: You’ll need a comfortable backpack to carry your supplies. Make sure it’s sturdy and fits well.
• Sun Protection: This includes sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and sunglasses. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can be strong, especially at higher elevations.
• Insect Repellent: Depending on the time of year, you might encounter bugs. An insect repellent can help keep them at bay.
• Headlamp: Useful if you end up hiking later than expected. Don’t forget to check the batteries.
• Toilet Paper/Kula cloth and Plastic Bag: As there are no facilities on the trail, you’ll need to pack out your waste.
• Camera/Binoculars: For capturing beautiful views and spotting wildlife.

Remember, the weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s always better to be over-prepared. Check the weather forecast before you leave and adjust your packing list accordingly.

FAQs on the Heliotrope Ridge Hike Mount Baker

Final thoughts on the Mt Baker Heliotrope Ridge trail

The Heliotrope Ridge trail at Mount Baker is a beautiful hike in the Mount Baker Wilderness area. On a clear day, you get incredible views of Mount Baker itself as well as the Heliotrope glacier which is super cool to see.

Though a road closure has made this trail longer, it’s definitely still worth seeing.

If you’re looking for more Mount Baker hikes, hikes near Mt Baker, or hikes near Vancouver you should check out my hiking guides! The Artist Point snowshoeing trail is one of my favorites since the views are incredible!

Otherwise, be sure to check out these hikes in North Cascades National Park as well as this guide to visiting the Northern Cascades National Park. I’ve also got a guide one where to stay for North Cascades if you’re looking for cute cabins.

Last Updated on August 4, 2023 by Hannah