Welcome Pass Hike

Welcome Pass boasts an amazing view of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. This is a straight-up venture with a lot of elevation gain for the distance. Bring poles and be prepared for a big climb! This trail doesn’t get very busy, though, so you’ll have a good chance of enjoying a bit of solitude.

If you drive to the road maintenance building, you missed the trailhead- it’s not signed. Additionally, definitely bring a good bug spray as this route is plagued by flies.

From the trailhead, you’ll have just a few feet of warm-up before the climbing begins, first with a long eastward traverse and then with lots of switchbacks. It’s steep, it’s tiring, but it’s worth it. Grind through the switchbacks into the meadows, where the views really open up and you’ll be able to catch your breath. From the pass, you can either explore the ridge a little or head directly back down to the trailhead.