Hiking Church Mountain near Mount Baker Highway
Contents
Church Mountain Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13.20Km (8.2 Miles)
Elevation Gain: 1,155m (3,789 Ft.)
Highest Elevation: 1,853m (6,080 Ft.)
Average Gradient: 17.50%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: ~June to October
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: Nothing worth mentioning
Church Mountain Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 48°54’45.4″N 121°51’27.0″W
Church Mountain Overview
Church Mountain is a scenic summit accessed via the Mount Baker Highway in northern Washington, just south of the Canadian Border. Not to be confused with Church Mountain in Chilliwack (just north of the border), the US version is slightly higher and certainly a lot more rewarding of a hike, especially if you time it well for the fall colours. Most parties will actually stop at the false summit, where an old fire lookout tower used to be situated (you may still see remnants of it around), with the true summit a more involved, exposed scramble further along the ridge generally only tackled by more enthusiastic peakbaggers.
Access to Church Mountain is from the end of a forest service road that is generally in decent condition. At the time of writing there was a washout at Fossil Creek that may cause issues for lower clearance vehicles, though some may make it past just fine.
Like most of the Mount Baker / Snoqualmie Forest region this hike truly comes alive in the fall period (end of September / early October) when most of the foliage changes to a smorgasbord of yellows, oranges and reds. That’s not to say this hike isn’t worthwhile outside of this window, it’s just particularly nice during it (similar to the nearby Yellow Aster Butte). That being said, June to October is likely the best time to visit once the snowline has receded to these elevations. The hike covers a number of steep switchbacks and some simple scrambling at the end, none of which would be easy if there is still snow around.
Most of the hike follows a typically well groomed forest trail, with the majority of the elevation gain dispatched here efficiently. The views open up for the final 2.5km (1.5 Miles), at which point the scenery is particularly stunning, with both Baker and Shuksan on full display throughout. Time it well and the fall scenery will be to die for, and you’ll also find the most abundant blueberry bushes you will likely ever see.
Dogs are welcome on this hike but may need a little help for the final short scramble up to the summit.
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Is Church Mountain worthwhile?
Church Mountain is a great hike that offers rewarding views for relatively moderate effort. While the forest climb is steep, it’s a consistent and efficient one that most parties can finish quickly. Once you break out of the forest the remainder of the hike passes through stunning, open meadows with excellent views that only improve as you continue to climb. The (false) summit views are also well worth the effort, with 360 degree views from the top. If you time this one for the fall colours you will no doubt be impressed.
How difficult is the hike to Church Mountain?
Physically speaking this is a very approachable hike for most abilities. While the elevation gain is fairly high, thanks to a well manicured trail you can typically knock a lot of it off quite efficiently. Once out of the forest most of the elevation gain is behind you and the remainder of the hike is so scenic you’ll probably be stopping to soak in the views enough that it doesn’t feel particularly challenging.
Technically speaking, this one isn’t too difficult. The only thing worth noting is that the final climb to the false summit does involve some steep, rocky terrain with a chain for assistance. It’s a stretch to call it a scramble as you can certainly manage without using any hands, so I’m confident in saying most people should be absolutely fine with it.
Church Mountain Route Information
This hike begins from the end of Forest Road 3040 off of Mount Baker Highway. As noted this FSR is mostly friendly to all vehicles, however there was one washout at Fossil Creek at the time of writing that may challenge lower clearance vehicles. You are required to have a Northwest Forest Pass to park at this trailhead.
From the parking lot the hike immediately enters the forest following a mostly mellow trail that climbs gradually. After around 700m (0.5 mile) the switchbacks begin as you wind your way up. There’s a lot to say about these other than to get them over with as quickly as possible. Thankfully the gradient is moderate enough that you can typically climb them pretty efficiently.
At around 1,300m (4,265 Ft.) the switchbacks cease but the forest ascent continues for another 200m (650 Ft.) or so. At this point you will finally break out of the forest into the meadow basin beneath some overhead slopes to the north. This is where the scenery really begins to open up, especially in the fall if the colours have turned.
You’ll now meander through these meadows briefly, passing through endless blueberry bushes and crossing over Deerhorn Creek. The climb will continue ahead, now with constant views to the south of Mount Baker and Shuksan while you wander through beautiful alpine meadows. At 1,700m (5,580 Ft.) you’ll take a switchback before traversing across a steep slope (this part would be sketchy if there is lingering snow), before one last switchback before you reach (false) summit block.
The final climb to the false summit involves a short chained section up some dusty rock before topping out. The views will now be panoramic, with great views to the north of Kidney Lakes and Bearpaw Mountain. You’ll see the imposing true summit to the west, while the southern views will continue to be dominated by Baker and Shuksan. There is a decent bit of space up here for a few people, which is good as it can be popular on a sunny weekend.
Once finished you simply return back the way you came. Many people choose to job/run down the forested section as it’s usually a bit easier on the knees, but your mileage may vary on that one.
When should I hike Church Mountain?
Due to the steep terrain traversing across avalanche slopes Church Mountain is mostly a summer hike once the snowline has receded to these elevations, so typically June to October is your best bet. If you want the amazing fall foliage then the end of September/Early October is prime time.
Top Tip
The forested section of the hike is a good cardio building opportunity. A nice target to set could be reaching the meadows in an hour, which would be no mean feat for some.
Going in the fall is probably the best time to visit as the plethora of colours really adds to the hike.
