Mount Baker’s glaciers are some of the most impressive in the North Cascades. They carve out dramatic landscapes and feed the lush valleys below them. For anyone staying in the area, these ancient, icy giants are the perfect destination for a day-long adventure.
Coleman Glacier, a massive sheet of ice which stretches down into the valley below, sprawls across Mount Baker’s western flank. To get close, you’ll have to head up Heliotrope Ridge Trail. It’s about 5 miles each way, weaving through old-growth forest and over melt-fed creeks before spilling out onto a rocky, rugged landscape where the glacier dominates the horizon. The trailhead is just a short drive from Glacier, making it an easy morning trip with plenty of time to explore before heading back. Pack a lunch, take your time, and don’t forget layers, the air cools sharply as you gain elevation.
Often accessed on the same trip as Coleman Glacier, Deming Glacier is more of the same amazing sights. If you decide to go to Deming as well as Coleman, the hike is around 11 miles and has an elevation change of over 7000 feet. Although it is a favorite of locals and tourists alike, this is not a trip for your average Joe. It is possible to do it in a day, but most people split it into a two day overnight hike, where they leave their camping gear at the base of the mountain and hike back to camp there that night. People especially like the area in summer when the huckleberries ripen along the trail. The route climbs steadily, crossing streams and cutting through dense forest before bursting into more open, rocky terrain. From here, you get a clear view of Deming Glacier curling down from the summit of Mount Baker. It’s less trafficked than the others, offering a more solitary experience if that’s what you’re looking for.
While Rainbow Glacier is more difficult to reach than Coleman, it’s an easier hike than Demming, and the views make it all worth it. Starting from the Mount Baker Ski Area, the trip leads you through wildflower meadows before climbing to stunning views of the glacier as it sparkles under the sunlight, framed by jagged rock and mountain scenery. The trail is rugged in sections which adds just enough challenge to keep it interesting. And as your final reward, once you reach the top, you are greeted with stunning panoramic views of the valleys you just traveled through. It is truly a sight to behold.
Getting There and Where to Stay
Staying in Glacier is the easiest way to access these trails. It’s a small mountain town with cozy rentals that make a great base for exploring Mount Baker. Bellingham is another good option, offering more dining and shopping, alongside ocean views. From Bellingham, it’s about an hour’s drive to most trailheads, whereas from Glacier it can be as short as 15 minutes.
Mount Baker’s glaciers aren’t just for mountaineers. With well-marked trails and easy access from Glacier and Bellingham, they’re the perfect reason to lace up your boots and spend a day exploring.