location-photo
camera
len
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens
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Sunrise Layers at Skyline Divide

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@michaelmatti
Tucked away in the mountains of Washington, this hike provides some awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks. Watch (and capture!) the sun coming up over the horizon as it hits each mountain layer with the ambient illumination of the early-morning sun ascending into the sky.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Difficult
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

$5 day use fee or free with an America the Beautiful Pass or Northwest Forest Pass.

Pack

  • Telephoto lens (200mm)
  • Tripod
  • Food
  • Water
  • Layers
  • Sunscreen
  • Tent and camping gear for overnight stay

How to get there

N48° 50' 21.6456"W121° 51' 22.6332"
This image was taken about 3 miles down the Skyline Divide trail in Washington, looking onto the mountain layers and sunrise. In total, from the parking lot to this lookout spot, it's about 3.3 miles with 2,200 feet of elevation gain. To reach the trailhead for this hike, head out on Mount Baker Highway (SR-542) to the town of Glacier. While driving through Glacier, look for FR-39 (Glacier Creek Road) on your right. Immediately after turning onto FR-39, make a left onto FR-37 and follow the signs to the Skyline Divide Trail. Continue for about 13 miles down this road until you reach the trailhead (48.880904, -121.864656). Note: the section of road leading up to the trail is full of potholes, so proceed with caution. Follow the signs for the trail, and as you start hiking, you'll gain a good amount of elevation when you make your way about 1.8 miles to the ridge and split. At the split, go right. This particular shot was taken about 1.5 miles down the trail from the split. Reference the GPS coordinates to find the exact location of where I stood for this perspective.

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