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CHS 2 Hike

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 2 Hike - Scott Paul Trail & Park Butte

A loop hike through alpine meadows to a lookout with panoramic views of Mt Baker and the North Cascades, a daring side trip on the Railroad Grade trail, and returning on the Scott Paul trail, which will include three or four creek crossings.

Contacts

Gunilla Luthra
Gunilla Luthra
Primary Leader
  • Moderate/Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 12.8 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,500 ft
  • Pace: 2.0-3.0 mph

Let's meet at the trailhead at 8:30am ready to hike. Please arrange carpools as makes sense with fellow CHS hikers.

Enjoy this popular North Cascades hike on a weekday when the crowds are less! On Park Butte, hike to an historic fire lookout and come face-to-face with Koma Kulshan. Along with unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters, and the rest of the North Cascades, the route to Park Butte offers wildflower-filled alpine meadows, rushing waterfalls, and a stunning variety of mushroom species. The Railroad Grade trail is popular route for summiting Mount Baker and we will get a closer view of Koma Kulshan’s glistening glaciers. We will return via the Scott Paul Trail where there will be 3 or 4 creek crossings.

Note: There is water available to filter along the trail. You may want to bring "water shoes" along for creek crossings. The trails are in good condition.

Route/Place

Scott Paul Trail & Park Butte

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
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