Destination
Dock Butte
Directions
Follow Road 1230 in the Baker Lake Basin of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to the Blue Lake trailhead. After a short distance on the Blue Lake trail, you'll come to a signed fork directing you to the right to Dock Butte.
Notes
Dock Butte trail leads through a number of meadows after leaving the forest canopy. Depending on the time of year, the meadows may be full of blooming heather of pink or white. The upper part of the Dock Butte trail offers panoramic views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Black Butte, the Twin Sisters, among other mountains in the area.
On this day (29 July 2004) we did not make it to the top of Dock Butte, but rather just below the final ridge. Apparently the last stretch is a bit on the steep side. As my hiking partner today is still in the process of healing from a previous adventure, he felt uncertain if he was ready for the last part. We tried, but opted for safety first so we could conquer the Butte another day. Nonetheless, the views were pretty amazing.
Today, there was a bit of haze from recent forest fire activity in the region. On a clear day, the views would probably be more magnificent. However, the haze added a nice effect - although slightly more than this hikers preference - of layers of the mountains in the distance with the gradation of dark to light from near to far.
One thing you definitely want to have with you is insect repellent. Don't know if it was due to the time of year, but I'm sure the bugs were quite hungry as they were rather persistent in their buzzing about as we were heading through some of the meadows.
At the top of Dock Butte, there used to be a fire lookout. Aptly placed from what could be seen from just below the top of the Butte with its panoramic views.