Church Mountain Trail

Church Mountain Trail (Trail 671) is a steep climb in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that moves from mature forest into sub-alpine meadows and ends at a former lookout site on a rocky peak around 6,000 ft.

The route starts at an old logging unit and then settles into numerous switchbacks that keep gaining elevation rapidly through the trees; calypso orchids are noted along the way, and early-season flowers such as yellow violets and columbine can show up near the start area.

After about three miles of hard climbing, you reach the meadows. The meadows shift with the season—snow persists in winter and spring, summer brings meadow color, and fall foliage can turn bright red from blueberry plants.

If you continue beyond the meadow area, the last push follows a rocky ridge up to the lookout site. Early July can bring glacier lilies in the meadows, and the summit area is described with 360-degree views spanning Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, and Canadian peaks plus the North Fork Nooksack River.

Plan on hiking-only use for this trail. The trail begins dry most of the year, with streams mentioned near mile 2 just before the meadows and around mile 3 in the meadow; additional seasonal meltwater can appear early in the year, so water treatment is important.

From the access side, the main trailhead approach uses Mt. Baker Highway 542 from the Glacier Public Service Center to East Church Mountain Road (Forest Service road 3040), then continues to the end of the road at the Church Mountain Trailhead. The rough approach road can involve a creek crossing near the top and is recommended for high-clearance vehicles; a Northwest Forest Pass or other honored recreation pass is required at the trailhead.

More information: Conditions, Visitor information, Visitor information