Total Miles: 7.5
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Highlights: Meadows, wildflowers, berries, views of Mt. Baker, historic fire lookout
More information: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/park-butte
Sunday was my second shift as a volunteer Mountain Steward this summer. Last time, I was on the Skyline Divide trail on the north side of Mount Baker, and this time I was on the Park Butte Trail on the south side of the volcano. Overall, I crossed paths with 133 people on the trail and chatted with 45 of them.
It was a nice day weather wise - mostly sunny, not too hot, a pleasant breeze. Unfortunately, a lenticular cloud obscured the summit of Mount Baker the entire day. I did learn that a lenticular cloud typically indicates a change in weather is coming in the next 24 hours. However, it's been 24 hours since the hike and the weather has not changed.
There were still a few wildflowers blooming in the upper meadows and the blueberries in the lower meadows were very close to being ripe - a bit tart still so I didn't pick any. I could hear several pika in the rock fields, but could never catch a glimpse of one. They are very quick, sneaky creatures. I will be back on this same trail next weekend for my final Mountain Steward shift of the summer, so maybe I'll get lucky and see a pika then.
WTA has made a lot of improvements to this trail over the years. They have had work parties along the Park Butte Trail pretty much every summer that I have been a volunteer Mountain Steward. That work wouldn't be possible without donations, so please consider sponsoring my Hike-A-Thon campaign by visiting my fundraising site.
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