Baker River Trail 606

Baker River Trail 606 is a 5.2-mile round-trip out-and-back from Baker River Trailhead to Sulphide Creek Camp, where Sulphide Creek meets Baker River. It gains about 300 feet and usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours when the creek crossing is passable. Most of the walk is gentle, low-elevation forest beside the river; the crossing at Lake Creek is the part to judge carefully. The trail starts on Forest Service land and continues into North Cascades National Park.

The trailhead is at the end of Forest Service Road 11, also called Baker Lake Road. The last six miles are gravel; there is a large parking area and a vault toilet. A valid recreation pass is required. At about 0.6 mile, the Baker Lake Trail crosses the Baker River on a suspension bridge. It’s a worthwhile short detour for the open river and Baker Lake view; return to the junction and follow the Baker River Trail sign to continue toward camp. The bridge spur is also the best shorter version of this hike.

The route alternates flatter stretches above the river with brief rocky, rooty rises and dips. Look for massive cedars and a pair of moss-covered boulders; one has a small cave. The suspension bridge gives the broadest view, while the rest of the trail keeps you close to the wooded river valley. A photo from the bridge can frame the water through the span and show how the river sits below the surrounding slopes.

Just over a mile in, the old footbridge at Lake Creek is washed out. Hikers have used logs to cross, but during high runoff the creek can be too deep and fast to wade safely. Check current conditions before setting out and turn back if the water doesn’t look safe; the crossing can change after high water. After the creek, the path leaves the river for a stretch, passes a beaver-made pond and berry shrubs, and opens to views south toward the Noisy-Diobsud Wilderness. When leaves are down, waterfalls show on the cliffs behind the trail.

The final mile in the park is a mossy forest walk to Sulphide Creek Camp at the confluence. Mount Shuksan may appear from the camp on a clear day. Dogs are not allowed in the national park portion, so a dog can’t accompany the full route. An NPS backcountry permit is required to stay overnight at camp; treat all water before drinking.