If I were to use one word to describe this trail it would be "WOW".
From the Visitor's Centre, drive East for 1 mile to Glacier Creek Road and turn right. Drive for 8 miles until you reach the Heliotrope trailhead. There will be signs, pit toilets and a parking lot.
Easy to follow and well-groomed trail to Heliotrope Ridge. There were three creek crossings along the way which can become more difficult as the snow melts later in the day or if there is rainfall. At the fork we headed left to the glacier viewpoint rather than the climber's route.
Along the trail we saw wildflowers, a beautiful waterfall and a few creeks. At the viewpoint, we were incredibly close to the glacier (Coleman or Roosevelt???) had views of the valley below, and Mt Baker. We could see climbers that appeared as small as ants practicing on the glacier. We also saw a hoary marmot (yet to be confirmed) running across the snow. The rain chased us away but not before we finished our lunch and were able to drink in the gorgeous views.
Aug 01, 2010
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