Rising Skyward

Most roads that branch from the Mt. Baker Highway once you pass Maple Falls only lead to dead ends. This route exploits the furthest one east that doesn’t, creating a loop around Bald Mountain and Black Mountain which consists almost entirely of climbing. Rising skyward comes from the relentless climb of the route and was inspired by the roadside sign near Glacier.

A few notes before we get started, much of this ride takes place on land managed by Sierra Pacific, I haven’t run into trouble or seem anyone for that matter but as always be respectful of the land and property. Also, this isn’t that remote of a route but plan on being self-sufficient and getting yourself out of any tight spots. There is plenty of water sources if you bring a water filter. Finally, being a loop this route can be ridden both ways. I’ve done both and have agonized over which way to recommend. Both have advantages and disadvantages mostly related to the climbing. If you want a climb that is mostly a gentle gradient with a few steep pitches ride counter-clockwise, however this means you’ll be climbing most of the time and will miss one of the best descents around but it will be easier. To ride clockwise is to tackle a painfully steep ascent which borders on hike-a-bike in some places but gets you up to the high point much quicker. This will be the direction I describe the route in and I assure you it is worth the grind, it’s what we’re here for after all.

Mt. Baker Highway and Silver Lake Road

Glacier has been my preferred start point for a clockwise ride. Setting off west on 542, preferably early in the morning, is the way to go. You get your highway miles in early while it is still cool and hopefully not too busy. Turning in Maple Falls up Silver Lake Road takes you on a couple enjoyable short rolling miles before taking a right on Bobcat Lane where the gravel begins. Bearing right at the junction and heading through the gate brings you to the bottom of The Climb.

The Climb

Yes, I’m capitalizing it. In the next seven miles you will do 3600 feet, more or less. The road surface is good if a little loose at times, I would recommend a tire with a little bit of tread, I ride on Antelope Hill tires and love ‘em but if you want to stand and climb you’ll need something with a bit of tread and maybe about 40mm+ in width.

As you ascend, the views open up quickly in all directions, the mountain looms over head, and Silver Lake stretches out below. About three quarters of the way up The Climb the route crests a ridge and then traverses east along the north slope of Black Mt. the views are stunning and sweeping and only get better as you top out and start to traverse to the descent.

Traversing

The traverse is one of the highlights of the ride. From the top of the climb you’ll descend east around spurs of the mountain with views north into B.C. before sweeping back south where you’ll get your first view of Baker and a look across to Bald Mt. Some super smooth gravel and easy climbs take you across and around to the north of Bald Mountain’s summit. Don’t miss the little dirt bike track that is the next turn, it’s chunky and a little over grown but once you make it through it’s almost all down hill back to Glacier and boy what a descent it is.

Descent and Closing the Loop

Once your back on the road from the dirt bike track you’ll be on NF #026 this is a chunky mess but only for a little ways until the route takes you down NF #3140. This section is premium gravel descending, mostly gentle gradients and great views of the surrounding mountains and valley. At the bottom of NF #3140 you hit tarmac again when you turn on to NF #31 where it crosses Canyon Creek. After a nice pedal along the river and a short and gentle climb you get about 5 miles of smooth, low traffic, rippin’ pavement descent which makes the last few hours of suffering worth it. A nice cruise back to Glacier on 542 and you’re done baby.