This is a very nice hike that would be good in either sunny or cloudy weather. It's about 2.5 miles one way and has very little elevation gain. The trail follows the Baker River toward the southeast side of Mt Shuksan, ending at a camp on Sulphide Creek. To get to the trailhead, take the Baker Lake Road from the North Cascades Highway (SR-20) just west of Concrete. The road changes to FR-11 when you enter the Mt-Baker Snoqualmie National Forest and will change from paved to gravel. Continue all the way to the end, north of Baker Lake, at the trailhead. I didn't get to the trailhead until 3:30pm due to family phone calls (it's Father's Day afterall) and the 130 mile drive. There were several cars at the trailhead, but plenty of room. The parking lot itself is right on Baker River. The first quarter mile of the trail is wide and gravelled, following through the forest just out of sight of the river. There are some amaizng old growth cedars, including one huge old fellow that's leaning a good 20 degrees. It's easily the largest tree on the whole trail. After a quarter mile, a very sturdy suspension bridge crosses the river, but a sign says it's for trail #610 Baker Lake. The Green Trails (Mt Shuksan #14) doesn't show the intersection. The Baker River trail continues along the northeast side of the river. After the bridge, the trail narrows and becomes what you'd expect from a riparian ecosystem -- lots of underbrush, mud and rocks. Several sections in the first half mile past the bridge are heavily overgrown. The trail was never difficult to see, but the underbrush was encrouching quite a bit. Random blackberry vines made me wish I'd worn long pants. Better that than devils club, though. The trail runs 1.7 miles in the National Forest and has several sections of impressive old growth cedars and Douglas firs. The last .7 miles are in North Cascades National Park and the ecosystem change from riparian to forest is exactly at the boundary. The entire feeling of the trail changed. The National Park section of the trail is a younger forest, but is a fabulous display of greenery. The underbrush and vines of the river system are replaced with ferns and moss that don't encrouch the trail, but carpet the forest floor right to the trail edge. Indeed, the forest here seems almost to have an order to it, as if it grew solely to be seen. This part of the hike is absolutely beautiful. The National Forest section is very nice, but it's a trail you hike to get somewhere. The National Park section of the trail is a destination in itself. The trail ends at Sulphide Creek, which runs off Mt Shuksan into Baker River. There are several marked camping spots here in the forest. Sulphide Creek has a wide bed, so it's easy to trek out for an amazing view of Mt Shuksan upstream. It's the only place on the hike where you'll get to see it. On this day, Shuksan was hiding behind a blanket of clouds. Other than the mentioned enthusiastic underbrush, mud is the only problem on the trail. There are many mudholes, particuarly once you cross into the park. They are all easy to walk around except one section in the early part of the trail where a small creek is running down the trail itself for several feet. With the hike being mostly forest, and considering how amazing the National Park section is, I'll definitely do this trail again on a cloudy day. But don't count out that one mountain view at the end. You foiled me once, Shuksan, but I'll be back. Oh, yes. I'll be back.

Baker River trail from trail head to Sulphide Creek is snow free and in good shape. Spotty snow around Sulphide Creek. The designated camp sites are snow free, however there is still snow around the pit toilet. Excellent early season hike for kids. Three miles in and almost flat.

The trail is in exellent condition, beginning as an abandoned logging road and soon narrowing into single-track past a bridge. There's very little to worry about, perhaps a couple of muddy or wet spots once the National Park boundary has been crossed. Even after the official trail ends, it can be followed up Sulphide Creek for at least a quarter mile. According to ""100 Hikes..."" the trail once continued up Baker River all the way to Bald Eagle Creek but I didn't investigate. Views were very good for an overcast day. I saw an American Bald Eagle gliding repeatedly over the river near the start of the trail. Hordes of mossy trees line the trail from end to end. Some beaver ponds offer spectecular valley views near the park boundary (supposedly on a clear day you can see Whatcom Peak from here), and the skies did clear up just enough to allow views of glaciers on the sides of Mt.Hagan and Mt.Shuksan. In fact I had a nice view of Shuksan's ""Jagged Ridge"" and the 7572' peak that caps it, but all along I was hanging around waiting for the summit to clear up. It probably never did. The trail is relatively short and flat. It takes about 1 hour each way, but allow time for gawking, especially if it's a clear day.

The trail is in great condition to Suhphide creek. The Suhphide creek can be crossed on a logjam. An old trail to Crystal Creek can be found by walking the gravel bar toward the Baker River (about 150'), then head for the trees (look for a boot path). The old trail can be followed about 1 mile until it gets real brushy. Take a lopper and folding saw and cut some to the vinemaple out. If you continue to the upper parts of the Baker River (beyond Crystal Cr), 10'+ diameter Cedar, Hemlock, and Douglas Fir trees will be encountered. A wonderful experience but tough going (not for the casual hiker).

I hiked the Baker River trail to Sulphide Camp on a Saturday for a short overnighter. Make sure to pick up a backcountry permit which is required at the ranger station in Sedro Wooley. Trail Park Passes are also required as this trail begins in the national forest and ends in North Cascades National Park. The trail begins on an old logging spur which ends in about 1/4 mile from the parking lot. There is a major washout here and you must scramble over a large boulder to continue on the trail. Also at this point, a bridge is being constructed that will eventually link the trail to the east bank Baker Lake trail. The trail was generally in good shape with a few small washouts and great views of the surrounding peaks. Sulphide Camp at 3 miles is in a very nice wooded area with deer roaming through the camp. Continue on the unmaintained trail another 150 yards for a beautiful riverfront campsite with room for two tents. The view from here up Sulphide Creek to Jagged Ridge and Seahpo Peak is outstanding.