West Side : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Summit Route:

The maze of trails on Sumas Mountain can easily get you lost. -Please be respectfull of private property. Sumas Mountain sees few visitors, make a good impression for the rest of us.-

The trailhead starts at the end of Sealund Rd. (do not park on private land) and is clearly marked "Gold Mine Trail."

The first quarter-mile follows a barbwire fence and is a real mudhole (gaiters are a must any time of year). This section passes quickly and the trail turns Southeast. A little over a mile the trail breaks out into the open, stay left to go to the top, the right trail leads to an abandoned gold mine (see later section). At this point the trail steepens and you'll reach the "Friendly Cabin" at 1.4 miles.

In another quarter-mile you'll have to make a choice: Longer but easier, or shorter but harder. If opting for the former head right at the fork. If opting for the latter go left (which may be difficult to see) this is the way I always go. Take a few looks back on the way up to help remember your way down, there are many game trails, don't be fooled.

This trail gets very steep as you get higher, be carefull. The last bit will take you along a large cliff on the east side of the mountain. Continue as far as you wish, the trail ends in a clearcut. Despite difficult travel, the clearcut is worth venturing into for a spectacular view.

Roundtrip to the clearcut is 10 miles 3,000ft elevations gain. This is an excellent training hike/climb, especially if you're getting tired of Chuckanut. Enjoy!

*With the right vehicle it is possible to drive to the top of Sumas Mountain. I will not post information on how to do so due to the multitude of good reasons I shouldn't, including the express wishes of the DNR.

Essential Gear

Gaiters (all year)
Trekking Poles are nice
Water
Bug Spray

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.