Park Butte was one of my favorite hikes this year, and is a 6 point summit located near Mount Baker in Whatcom County, WA. Thank you to Todd W7TAO for his YouTube SOTA videos, which sparked my interest activating. Definitely enjoyed hiking near Mt Baker, the views, and activating near the lookout. Since it is a heavily trafficked trail, this was mid-week activation.
Directions: Heading North on I-5, take Exit 232 and turn right heading East on Cook Rd. Go 4.3 miles, and turn left at the second traffic circle onto Borseth St. The road will shortly vear right onto W Moore Street which turns into Hwy 20. Go 16.9 miles on Hwy 20, and turn left onto Baker Lake Rd. In 12.2 miles, turn left on NF-12 (start of gravel roads). In 3.5 miles, turn right onto NF-13. Continue on NF-13 for 5.3 miles to reach trailhead parking. There are two lavatories, and good parking...although likely very busy on the weekends.
Parking Pass: National Forest Pass Required
Trail Information from WTA: 7.5 miles and 2,200 feet gain (7.7m and 2,100 gain per AllTrail tracking app).
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/park-butte
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/recording-jul-29-04-08-pm--5?p=-1
YouTube videos from Todd W7TAO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDaYCYoSQ2c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eC1bWnCyg4
Summit: Smaller summit with incredible views of Baker, and surrounding mountains. I did VHF/UHF only, but there are a few trees near summit for HF antenna. Was able to make 10 contacts mid-week, including 3 summit-to-summits. Was not able to spot, due to lack of phone service.
In summary, highly recommend for the experience.
