When I need a little perspective, I have two favorite viewpoints I can always depend on.
The first is the logging road up to Alger Alps (Little Baldy). It is a short 1.5 mile hike up with about 1025’ elevation gain. The view is priceless. As you wrap around the little mountain, you can see Mount Baker, Lake Whatcom, the Olympics, the Islands, and Skagit Valley. To get to the south access point (you can also access from Squires Lake) travel east through downtown Alger. About 600' pass Old Highway 99 you will see the trail head marked by a bright yellow gate. Parking is just ahead on both sides of the shoulder before a bridge.
My second favorite viewpoint is the paraglider jump-off point on top of Blanchard Mountain. To get there head west from the Alger exit off of I-5. Take first left on Barrell Springs Road. Less than a mile down on the right is the access road to Blanchard. Drive up gravel road and take left at yellow gate. Follow road up to top. Because of logging access is more difficult than usual. At the top are benches where you can sit and ponder the world and your place in it. If your feeling more energetic you continue the journey and hike up to Oyster Dome for another breathtaking view of the Chuckanut Mountain Range and the Puget Sound.
Sarai Stevens
The first is the logging road up to Alger Alps (Little Baldy). It is a short 1.5 mile hike up with about 1025’ elevation gain. The view is priceless. As you wrap around the little mountain, you can see Mount Baker, Lake Whatcom, the Olympics, the Islands, and Skagit Valley. To get to the south access point (you can also access from Squires Lake) travel east through downtown Alger. About 600' pass Old Highway 99 you will see the trail head marked by a bright yellow gate. Parking is just ahead on both sides of the shoulder before a bridge.
My second favorite viewpoint is the paraglider jump-off point on top of Blanchard Mountain. To get there head west from the Alger exit off of I-5. Take first left on Barrell Springs Road. Less than a mile down on the right is the access road to Blanchard. Drive up gravel road and take left at yellow gate. Follow road up to top. Because of logging access is more difficult than usual. At the top are benches where you can sit and ponder the world and your place in it. If your feeling more energetic you continue the journey and hike up to Oyster Dome for another breathtaking view of the Chuckanut Mountain Range and the Puget Sound.
Sarai Stevens
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