- GPS or a compass will be a necessity for any off-trail travel
- Very rugged and steep terrain should only be traversed by those experienced in similar areas; use of trekking poles is advised
- Virtually no outlets for lodging other than a pull behind RV trailer or primitive camping
- This is a very popular destination for recreational hikers, although this traffic will slow later in the season, expect some company, especially on the weekends
This unit is located in the Northern Cascade Mountains approximately 6.5 miles from the Canadian border. Mount Baker is the dominant terrain feature in the area with a summit of over 10,000 feet. Chowder Ridge is considered one of the premier goat hunts in the state, and although physical, when compared to the other two units on the west and south side of this unit, it is by far the least physical, mostly because the goats have been known to hang out in 5,000-6,000 feet of elevation instead of the very top of the unit. Skyline Divide Trail allows easier access into some of the higher elevations.
This is the least physical of all three of the units found around Mount Baker. However, it is also one of the most popular destinations for campers, hikers, and other visitors to the forest, as the Skyline Divide Trail is one of the only established trailheads in the area that will get you up into the higher elevations. Expect company, especially on the weekends.
As you make your way south from the banks of the north fork of the Nooksack River, you will immediately begin to gain elevation as you head towards the Mount Baker Summit. Grant Peak is approximately 460 yards from Mount Baker and is the highest peak in the unit at over 10,000 feet. Heading northwest from this peak, the Roosevelt Glacier forms a large valley with multiple 7,000-foot peaks surrounded by large drainages, all making fantastic mountain goat habitat. The terrain across the unit is very broken with countless mountain peaks and benches throughout. Once you get enough elevation, glassing becomes easy and you will be in the right place to locate some mountain goats. Although hikes may be long, they will not be extremely difficult if you plan accordingly. Expect steep areas with thick brush in the lower elevations if you come off of a trail, and lots of shale slides and technical climbing in the higher elevations.
A large variety of vegetation can be found in the Mount Baker National Forest, particularly in the Mount Baker area. The most notable when you finally get into goat country is the famous bristlecone pine. This evergreen typically does not grow below elevations of 9,500 feet and can grow up to 11,000 feet. In lower elevations, you can expect to see many other species including vine maple, sword fern, douglas fir, western red cedar, alder, western hemlock, mountain hemlock, and the yellow cedar. There are multiple species of grasses, ferns, and shrubbery that make up the forest floor. All vegetation begins to fade as you gain elevation.
Deadhorse Road heading south off of Hwy 542, east of the town of Glacier, provides the main access point to where the goats are located in this unit. After a number of switchbacks, you will gain considerable elevation on this road and eventually end up at the Skyline Divide Trail. This trail will make its way up the Skyline Divide and eventually to Hadley Peak. It will take some time before you can see much, but once you get a few miles into the trail, you will have plenty to glass and could run into goats anywhere. If you choose to come from the south, you will want to head towards Glacier Road which heads south out of the town of Glacier; this is the unit boundary, with the Lincoln Peaks unit on the west side of the road. Once you are on the northeast side of Mount Baker Vista, not to be confused with the actual Mount Baker, you will see the Bastille Ridge. This is a very physical hike with a long ridgeback taking you from approximately 2,800 feet in elevation to 7,900 feet, at the top of No Name Glacier and just south of Hadley Peak. Seeing as the unit boundary is near, remember to check your map and GPS closely as you leave the truck in this area to make sure that you are in the right hunting unit.
Primitive camping in the forest is allowed most of the year, but access and areas of the forest will get closed as winter weather starts to set in. Call ahead to double check any restrictions, or permits necessary prior to your trip. If you plan to spike camp off of the Skyline Divide Trail, most of the camping locations are dry, if you move far enough up the trail approximately 3.5 miles you will reach a camping location that does have running water available and will make staying on the mountain for longer periods of time easier. Plan accordingly to purify plenty of water during your stay. If you are looking for a more established campground, Douglas Fir Campground is just east of the town of Glacier. Or, if you are looking for a bed and shower, fuel and some supplies, you will need to look towards Maple Falls off of the Mt. Baker Hwy (542), west of the town of Glacier.
Roughly 43 square miles
98% public land
Elevations range from 1,125 - 10,338 feet
Compass and GPS should be used at all times when straying from any main trails
Travel into areas without trails can be very difficult to navigate
Overall this is a rather remote area and you should come prepared with everything you need prior to arriving on the unit