Railroad Grade Trail #603.2
| Trail Uses |  |
Length | 3.25 miles one-way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season of Use | Summer/Fall | Beginning Elevation | 3300 feet |
| Visitor Use | Heavy | Elevation Gain/Loss | +1600 feet |
| Map(s) | Green Trails: Hamilton #45 USGS: Baker Pass |
Level of Difficulty | More Difficult |
Trailhead Access:
From the Mount Baker Ranger District office in Sedro-Woolley, follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road #11). At 12 miles, turn left on Forest Service Road #12. Travel 3.6 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road #13. Stay to right and follow Road #13 for 5.3 miles. The trailhead is located at the end of Road #13. Overnight campsites are available at the trailhead for hikers and stock. A toilet, a loading ramp and hitching rails are located at the parking area. Passenger vehicles are prohibited from parking in the stock vehicle parking area from August 1 - October 31.
Description, Attractions & Considerations:
The Railroad Grade Trail uses the same route as the Park Butte Trail #603 for 2.25 miles; then right onto the Railroad Grade Trail for 1 mile. Form the trail head you immediately cross a bridge over Sulphur Creek. You are then in meadows covered with heather and huckleberries. In 1 mile you cross Rocky Creek. The trail then crosses Rocky Creek. This creek is unbridged and crossing can be challenging during periods of heavy runoff.
After the first mile the trail begins to climb and switchbacks through the forest, reaching a junction with Scott Paul Trail #603.1. Stay left at the junction and continue on the Park Butte Trail / Railroad Grade Trail to Morovitz Meadows. The open meadows offer spectacular views of glacier-capped Mt. Baker. Standing at 10,781 feet, Mt. Baker is an active volcano and steam can be seen rising from Sherman Crater. Wander through the meadows until reaching a fork in the trail. The left fork leads to the Park Butte Lookout. Stay to the right at the junction for the Railroad Grade Trail #603.2. The trail leads up stairs of stone to the edge of a glacial moraine deposited by the recession of Mt. Baker's Easton Glacier. Two designated camping areas are located along the trail; the first is Railroad Camp (7 sites) and second is High Camp (4 sites). Both camps have seasonal toilet facilities (June through late September). There is no loop trail connecting the Railroad Grade Trail with other trails in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area.
The trail lies within the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area and is a popular approach for climbers attempting to summit Mt. Baker. Climbing parties are encouraged to sign the climbers' register at the Mt. Baker District Office in Sedro-Woolley before entering the backcountry.
The Mt. Baker National Recreation Area is open to snowmobile use when snow depth at the trailhead is at least 24 inches. Depending on snow pack, snowmobile use usually starts in December and closes sometime in June.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle parked at the trailhead.
To minimize impacts to the resources within the NRA the following regulations apply:
- Camping is allowed only at designated camp sites (seasonal toilets) below the 6000 foot level (36 CFR 261.58c). There are 7 sites located within the first half-mile (2.25 to 2.75 miles from the trail head) of the Railroad Grade Trail. There are 4 sites located at High Camp which is 3.75 miles from the trail head.
- Camping restrictions do not apply to climbers camping above 6000 feet. (Blue Bags)
- Campfires are prohibited within the NRA (36 CCFR 261.52a).
- Stay out of areas posted as closed for restoration or rehabilitation (36 CFR 261.53b).
- Group size restrictions apply when you leave the NRA and enter the Mt. Baker Wilderness (limited to 12 including saddle and stock animals). (36 CFR 261.58f for the Wilderness)
- Saddle and pack animals, including horses, donkeys, mules, burros, llamas and goats are prohibited on the Railroad Grade Trail #603.2 and the Scott Paul Trail #603.1 (36 CFR 261.55c).
- Motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited on all trails within the NRA (36 CFR 261.55c).
- Shortcutting a trail switchback is prohibited (36 CFR 261.53).