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Dock Butte

Concrete, Washington

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

3.92 miles

Elevation Gain

1388 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Beau Ramsey

Dock Butte is a fairly easy out-and-back trail with great 360 degree views of Mt. Baker area and Easton Glacier. Blue Lake can also be visited along the short hike.

Dock Butte is an easy hike offering truly spectacular 360 degree views of the Mt. Baker region. In summer this summit can be done as an easy walk up. It is especially good during the late summer for hikers and introducing someone into hiking. From the parking lot the trail goes through forest with an option to go left down to Blue Lake. Stay right as you gain elevation in open alpine for 3.7 miles roundtrip and 1,400' of elevation gain to the summit. Dock Butte used to have a Fire Lookout years ago and the flat summit now has space for 1 or 2 tents. This would be 1st come, 1st serve on a summit bivy space.

Permit

A Northwest Forest Pass is required

Getting To The Blue Lake Trailhead

  • Take exit 230 off I-5 head East the you'll have to turn left and then right again (well marked) to stay on Hwy 20
  • Follow State Route 20 EAST to milepost 82
  • Turn LEFT (north) on Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road #11)
  • Continue on the Baker Lake Hwy for 12 miles
  • Turn LEFT on F.S. Road #12 stay left at forks
  • After 7 miles turn LEFT on Road #1230
  • After 4 miles the trailhead and parking area are located in at the end of the road
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Features

Camping
Fishing
Photography
Running
Backpacking
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

This is one of my favorite hikes. The drive to the trailhead is breathtaking and only gets better as you start the hike. You will spend about 10 miles on a decent gravel road so I don't recommend riding in a car. Once you get to the trailhead there is plenty of parking and a clearly defined trail all the way to the top of the butte. Along the hike you will get magnificent views of Mt Baker, blue lake and even Mt Rainier. Highly recommend this gorgeous hike

Explorer

08/12/16

Although this is a short hike, the 1400 feet of elevation gain will require some effort; especially on the rocky, narrow, and root-covered trail. That being said, it is worth the effort! The views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Park Butte Lookout

Backpack the Easton Glacier Railroad Grade

Climb Mt. Baker via the Easton Glacier Route

Climb Mt. Baker via Squak Glacier

Hike the East Bank of Baker Lake

Kayak Baker Lake