Rainbow Ridge

August 8th, 2004

Trip Report | Photo Gallery

Still on a Cascades high from my trip to Yellow Aster Butte/Tomyhoi two weeks ago, Leslie & I headed back down into the mountainous splendour that is the Mount Baker Wilderness Area. We met a few exits before the border on highway 99 at 7am with our trusty canine companions in tow. After proving that our dog food was in sealed bags made in the United States, we headed for the I5. We arrived at the trailhead at about 10:00 after some slow going on the logging road. Leslie's Honda Civic may be a little worse for wear after this trip but we made it.

The drive in is really nice, offering up some spectacular views of Baker & Shucksan along the way. Even the parking lot has a perfect, unobstructed view of Baker. I LOVE these hikes where you can drive almost all the way up to the alpine.

The trail isn't marked but it's obvious. After a short stretch on an old road, you head into the trees for a steepish climb up to the ridge. It was muddy in parts due to the recent rainfall we'd had and it could do with some clearing but it's still very passable. After about 2km, and 1000 feet of elevation gain, you will emerge from the trees on the ridge. Elevation here is 4220 feet. Staring down 2000 feet into Avalanche Gorge is not for anyone who suffers from vertigo but it sure is cool. The views are outstanding and they only get better and better as you continue along the ridge.

The trail takes you up and down along the ridge. When you come to a rocky outcropping, the trail continues around it to the left. The trail becomes less & less obvious as you go and most people turn back, missing the best of it. Anyone with reasonable route finding skills should be able to continue all the way up so close to Baker that it looks like you could just scramble up to the top.

There is one very steep section where you scramble up under some steep cliffs before the grade eases for the final stretch. There are a couple of 'trails' but I use that term very loosely. Take the one on the left. The one on the right is steeper.

Take water as there isn't any until just before the steep part I just described. Don't forget your camera! If you're looking for maximum views without too much effort and without the crowds of Panorama Ridge.... Rainbow Ridge is as good as it gets.