Gorgeous flowers on the Railroad Grade: little-flower penstemon, partridge-foot (photo 2), phlox, speedwell, willowherb, and at the climber's camp, more lupine than I've seen in 4 years or so (photo 1).  The berries are starting to ripen. There are incredible views on both trails. The fall colors, berries, mountain ash, and white rhododendron, will be spectacular.

Took out a group of high school students on a two night trip to Mazama Camp on the other side of the pass from Park Butte. The hike up includes a short river crossing, which was higher on the way back after some heat and rain, but still easily forded without getting feet wet. The switchback section up is manageable and then the clearing into the meadow is stunning with beautiful wildflowers and amazing views of Mt. Baker. It was much more crowded on the weekend with groups climbing up Mt. Baker. The huckleberries were ripe in early August and flowers blooming. The hike down to Mazama Camp is rocky but quick (look out for marmot and pika!). 

Mazama Camp is a nice site with plenty of tent pads to accommodate our group and other 12 person youth group comfortably. It was buggy at night, but very well worth it for the sunsets. The views of the mountains and Baker at sunset were second to none.

We day hiked part way up the Railroad Grade trail. The knife edge ridge is amazing to see and it gives you a great view of the glacial valley.

The hike up to the Park Butte lookout is straightforward and good. We reached the lookout at sunrise, but it was raining. The views are still stunning. The hike down was quick and straightforward. 

Hike from TH to Mazama Camp: 3.5 miles, 5 hours with inexperienced hikers and gear

Hike from Mazama Camp to Park Butte: 1.5 miles - 1.5 hours

Hike from Park Butte to TH: 4 miles, 3.5 hours

Big bang for your buck in less than 7 miles. But the exposure on that knife's edge ridge walk is no joke. Unusual for a non-technical day hike. A quarter mile of that ridge is about all I could take before I turned around, as I was alone in early evening. The views of Mt Baker at large don't really improve that much as you move up the ridge. But views of Coleman Glacier and the moraine below do get better the higher you go. For those used to exposure on your hikes or climbs, this would be a piece of cake. But for those with some vertigo like myself, or anxiety about heights, you might skip the ridge part. There are still big views to be had and interesting terrain even without the ridge.

Successful summit of koma kulshan with a rope team of two via Easton glacier route, July 26, 2025

Road condition: overall good with a few big potholes in the last mile before parking lot, parking lot empty on Thursday afternoon arrival but was packed to the brim we when got back Saturday evening.

Trail condition: good, dry, and snow-free till sandy/portal camp. River crossing accessible and obvious. Wildflowers in full bloom on railroad grade but less so below. Water source available, overnight freeze disrupts flowing water past sandy and isn't available till past 4 pm but small glacier ponds are available otherwise. Water smell and taste like sulfur. 

climbing condition: glacier in excellent condition, solid refreeze past 11pm at 6400’ and above. Crevasses seem stable and no hazardous snow bridges or otherwise. Bootpacks remain visible past roman wall to the summit. temp low as 30f/0c on a relatively windless night.

Overall excellent condition all around but always be prepared, stay warm, and have the technical know-hows of glacier travel.

Took a weekend to explore the southern Mt. Baker area. Absolutely gorgeous with flowers blooming and quickly melting snow. The road to the trailhead does contain sizable potholes, so be cautious if your vehicle does not have high clearance. It is still manageable, as I saw multiple sedans and minivans make it, just take care and navigate over or around large potholes. 

Park Butte: I started the day on this trail. The bridge is up and the trail is easy to follow. Almost no snow except near the top end of the trail. It was cloudy when I started but in the afternoon it cleared up and it became magical as the golden glow of the sun hit the peaks. A classic hike that is currently well taken care of. Take not that the lookout will be closed for repair from 8/16 to 8/17. If rainy they will reschedule to 9/6 and 9/7. So plan your trip around those times.

Railroad Grade: I started on this trail the next morning after camping overnight in the Mazama Park area, which was thick with mosquitos. The stone stairs near to beginning are not in the best shape but it still is an easy climb to the ridge. Once on the ridge, the trail became sketchy in parts as it is pressed up against the ridge cliff for the entire way. The fall is long and deadly so be sure footed when making your way up. The trail was very clear and easy to follow until I made it to Easton Glacier at the top. I saw many people camping up by the glacier and I decided to climb over the snow to an overlook for breakfast. Wonderful views. Spectacular ice. On the way down I encounter a family of marmots. Absolutely wonderful furry creatures. Keep an eye out for them if you hike this trail. 

Scott Paul: Once I made it down from Railroad Grade, I started back to the trailhead via the Scott Paul Trail. At first the going was easy, but the creek running next to Railroad Grade is very full. The trail goes right over the creek and the bridge was not up yet, which made for a difficult creek crossing. Hopefully they install the bridge soon. The other creeks were a piece of cake to traverse. There are many wildflowers on this trail and intermittent snow crossing that are not difficult and soon disappearing. I did pass a couple fallen trees, but the trail was mostly clear. A beautiful alpine trail, just be careful of the creek crossing and some fallen trees.

These three trails are some of the finest in Washington. If camping, watch out for mosquitoes at low elevations and pack out any waste with the blue bags at the trailhead. For hikers on the Scott Paul, be careful crossing the creek and check to see if they installed the bridge. The snow on all the trails was infrequent and easy to cross. Definitely try these hikes if you have not, they are absolutely legendary.